New York - gospel celebration

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New York
Beacon
website:
NewYorkBeacon.net
Vol. 18 No. 13
Showing the Way to Truth and Justice
March 31, 2011 - April 6, 2011
E-Mail
newyorkbeacon@yahoo.com
75 Cents
DAY OF RAGE
Thousands take to the streets to oppose budget cuts
A DAY OF OUTRAGE — Estimated 25,000 New Yorkers turned up this last weekend to oppose city and state budgets cuts. Leading the march through streets of New York City are
DC 37 Associate Director Oliver Gray, Council Member Charles Barron and DC 37 Local 375 Vice President Michelle Keller. (Photo by Donna Lamb) (See Story On Page 2)
Obama receives enthusiastic welcome in New York
(See Story On Page 3)
NEW YORK BEACON, March 31, 2011 - April 6, 2011 newyorkbeacon.net
2
Thousands take to streets in Day of Rage Against Budget Cuts
By Donna Lamb
On Thursday, March 24, several thousand union members,
students and community activists rallied outside City Hall and
marched through the financial
district. Their message was clear:
stop threatened budget cuts that
would cause schools to close,
tuition to rise, severely cut social services and force thousands more layoffs of municipal
workers.
Oliver Gray, associate director
of District Council 37, said public sector workers will not allow
Governor Cuomo to blame them
for the so-called deficit. “How are
we to blame,” he asked, “when
the Governor wants to cut the
taxes of the richest people in New
York and gives back to Wall St.
investors $15 billion a year in
stock transfer taxes?”
Council Member Charles
Barron contradicted Governor
Cuomo and Mayor Bloomberg’s
claims that cuts are necessary
because the state and city are
broke. If they are so broke, he
questioned, why are taxes being
cut for the richest 1 percent of
the population that share more
than 35 percent of the state’s income and 44 percent of the
city’s? “You want to cut something?” Barron challenged
Cuomo and Bloomberg. “Cut tax
breaks to the rich!”
That sentiment was echoed by
the rally’s co-chair Larry Hales
of the CUNY Mobilization Network. He stated, “All the budget
cuts could be avoided simply by
making the banks and investors
pay their fair share of taxes. The
banks and Wall St. investors
have looted the public treasury
while giving nothing back. We
are organizing to reclaim public
funds for workers, communities
and students.”
Thousands rally at City Hall to oppose state and city budget cuts (Photos by Donna Lamb)
Soon the protesters were on
the march, their numbers
stretching for blocks. They brandished placards and banners demanding an extension of the millionaires’ tax, an end to job cuts,
and funding for education and
housing. The canyon-like walls
of the financial district reverberated with chants such as
“Today’s the day the rich must
pay!” and “What’s outrageous?
Sweatshop wages!”
Student mounts Charging Bull to symbolize defeat of Wall St.
values
The mood throughout was
spirited yet peaceful. The demonstrators were highly organized yet free to express their
opposition with originality. For
instance, one young man who
passed the Charging Bull - the
icon of Wall Street’s aggressive financial prosperity - was
moved to mount the bull in his
own symbolic show of defiance of all it stands for. Another protestor claimed a spot
near the Stock Exchange. Like
a police officer rounding up
crooks, he exhorted those
within to, “Come out with your
hands up!” Yet another demonstrator emphasized the criminality of Wall St. by going up
to individuals watching the
march and warning them gently but seriously to “Be very
careful when you’re near Wall
St. It is a high crime district.”
The newly-formed coalition that
organized this march and rally is
building toward a national day of
solidarity with the workers of Wisconsin on April 4 and an anti-war
and anti-racism protest in New
York on April 9. They are also
planning for a large, united workers and immigrants rally on May
1, International Workers Day. For
further information about the
coalition and its plans, visit
march24ny.wordpress.com.
(Photos by Donna Lamb)
CUNY students turn out in large numbers to protest proposed budget cuts and tuition hikes
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Obama on illegal aliens:
‘We want them to succeed’
President Barack Obama on
Monday told a student who has
received a deportation notice
that he does not want to deport
her — he wants people like her
to succeeed.
The exchange happened during a town hall event sponsored
by the Spanish-language television network Univision at a
Washington, D.C., school.
A student, who appeared via
Skype, asked: “My question for
the president is, why [is the government] saying that deportations have stopped — or the detention of many students like me,
why is it that we are still receiving deportation letters like this
one?”
Obama answered, “We have
redesigned our enforcement practices under the law to make sure
that we’re focusing primarily on
criminals, and so our deportation
of criminals are up about 70 percent. Our deportation of noncriminals are down, and that’s
because we want to focus our
resources on those folks who are
destructive to the community.
“And for a young person like
that young woman that we just
spoke to who’s going to school,
doing all the right things, we
want them to succeed,” Obama
said.
“I have been such a strong
proponent of the DREAM Act—
why I reiterated during my State
of the Union speech that we need
to pass the DREAM Act,” said
Obama. “We came close in the
December. It almost happened.”
The president later added,
“America is a nation of laws,
which means I, as the president,
am obligated to enforce the law.”
After the president addressed
the illegal-alien student’s question, the moderator of the event
asked Obama, “Mr. President, my
question will be as follows: With
an executive order, could you be
able to stop deportation of the
students?”
Obama said, “There are enough
laws on the books by Congress
that are very clear in terms of how
we have to enforce our immigration system that for me to simply,
through executive order, ignore
those congressional mandates,
would not conform with my appropriate role as president.”
“That does not mean, though,
that we can’t make decisions, for
example, to emphasize enforcement
on those who’ve engaged in criminal activity,” said Obama. “It also
doesn’t mean that we can’t
strongly advocate and propose
legislation that would change the
law in order to make it more fair,
more just, and ultimately would
help young people who are here
and trying to do the right thing and those talents we want to embrace in order to succeed as a country.”
The town hall took place at the
Bell Multicultural High School in
Washington, D.C. Attendees of
the town hall included students
and parents.
The DREAM (Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors) Act, which failed to pass
during the lame-duck session of
Congress in 2010, would have allowed young illegal immigrants
who have been in the states for at
least five years to acquire legal status if they pass background
checks, attend college or serve in
the military for at least two years.
The president also called for
“comprehensive immigration reform” and added that the U.S. immigration system is broken.
“We have to have secure borders, we have to make sure that
businesses are not exploiting
undocumented workers, but we
have to have a pathway to citizenship for those who are just
looking for a better life and contributing to our country and I’ll
continue to fight for them,” said
Obama.
Jim Gilchrist founded the multiethnic Minuteman Project on Oct.
1, 2004, after years of frustrated
efforts trying to get a neglectful
U.S. government to simply enforce
existing immigration laws.
WARM WELCOME – President Obama received a warm welcome in New York Tuesday where he arrived
for a fundraising dinner at Harlem’s famed Red Rooster Restaurant. Some of the enthusiastic fans and
supporters are seen waiting patiently to catch a glimpse of the president.
Obama explains U.S. involvement in Libya
By Peter Brown
Making his case for the U.S. involvement in Libya, President
Obama sounded a cautious tone,
in a speech needed to explain to
an American public that is supportive of the no-fly zone but divided about the goals of the mission — that the U.S. should not
be afraid to act but that the burden of action should not be
America’s alone. The mission, he
said, was to avert a humanitarian
disaster.
On the same day, the U.N. Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, who
is at the London summit on Libya
Tuesday, said the United Nations
- which imposed the no fly zone
mandate and authorized the use
of force - has seen no evidence of
a ceasefire in Libya or of any steps
by the country’s authorities to
fulfill their obligations under Security Council Resolutions aimed
at protecting civilians. “We have
serious concerns about the protection of civilians and respect for
human rights and international
humanitarian law,” he said.
The secretary general’s report
on Libya, given to the U.N. Security Council late last week, asserted
that Libyan authorities have re-
peatedly claimed that they have
instituted a ceasefire, including in
a call to him by the prime minister
but, he said, “We see no evidence
that is the case. To the contrary,
fierce battles continue in or around
the cities of Ajdabiya, Misratah
and Zitan, among others. In short,
there is no evidence that Libyan
authorities have taken steps to
carry out their obligations under
Resolutions 1970 or 1973.”
The secretary general expressed
deep concern about a possible
humanitarian crisis in Libya, despite Security Council steps to isolate and sanction Qaddafi’s inner
circle, who have been ignoring
warnings to stop a military campaign attack their own people. He
said that up to 250,000 refugees
and migrants could be displaced
by the fighting in Libya and he was
worried “about the protection of
civilians, abuses of human rights
and violations of international humanitarian law and the access of
civilian populations to basic commodities and services in areas currently under siege.”
And, although Mr. Obama spoke
of American values, strategic interests and the limits of the mission,
it is, nonetheless, a rare moment in
time that the U.N. Secretary Gen-
eral sounds a more impassioned and
urgent note than an American president on an issue involving U.S. military action.
But overall, the president received
support at the U.N. for the message
that conveyed the purposes of
American involvement with some
skepticism by analysts about what
happens next. He made a point of
differentiating Libya from American
involvement in Iraq: there would be
no U.S. involvement in regime
change. That would be up to the
Libyan people. The president’s expression of limits may have as much
to do with maintaining a united international community as it did with
sending a message to Congress.
This vote was, after all, unusual for
the U.N., in a post-Iraq war context.
Unlike the second U.N. vote on
Iraq, under the Bush Administration,
which sought support for military
action, and failed, Mr. Obama was
able to garner a U.N. Security Council Resolution that imposed tough
sanctions and authorized the use of
force to protect a civilian population. The two U.N. Security Council
Resolutions (1970 and 1973) referred
the case of Libya to the International
Criminal Court and imposed the no(CONTINUED ON PAGE 23)
Gov. Cuomo’s disputed budget slated to pass
By J. Zamgba Browne
Special to NY Beacon
As the New York Beacon
went to print on Wednesday,
lawmakers in Albany were on
the verge of passing on
schedule a state budget submitted by a sitting governor.
It marks the first time this has
happened in nearly three decades.
But Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s
Executive Budget features gigantic spending cuts that are
being vehemently criticized
by Mayor Michael Bloomberg
and others who argue that the
cuts would affect the poor in
several areas.
Those areas include health
care which is being hit by a
whooping $2.8 billion to Medicaid; Education was also affected by $1.5 billion in cuts
which include aid to community colleges and public and
private universities. The Gov-
ernor also cut funding for teachers and hospitals.
An outraged Mayor
Bloomberg said that at the outset of the budget process, he
urged the Governor and State
Legislature to adopt a budget
that treats New York City equitably and provides the mandate
relief and reform that would allow his administration to absorb the State’s heavy cuts.
“The budget agreement appears to fail on both counts,
and worse, it passes heavy
costs down to the city,” said
Bloomberg. He said voters
should remember that New York
City was signaled out by Albany
and eliminated from the revenue sharing program, while
other localities took on more
than a three percent cut.
“We appreciate that some of
the cuts in education aid were
restored. But make no mistake:
the final budget cuts New York
City more than ever before. The
Gov. Andy Cuomo
restorations are merely a fraction of the $600 million necessary to avoid additional layoffs
and cuts in the City’s budget
beyond what was announced
in February,” said Bloomberg.
Michael Bloomberg
The Mayor said while the outcome is disappointing and the
results will be painful, it is encouraging that the Governor
and State Legislature have
worked together to produce an
on-time budget.
“We hope that same spirit of
collaboration leads to action on
the hard work that remains to
enable the City to do more with
less: by stopping pension costs
from skyrocketing further with a
new tier for the City and ending
the last-in, first-out law that exacerbates the negative impact of
Albany’s teacher layoffs on our
public school children,” he
added.
The Cuomo administration argues that the budget deal succeeded in closing a $10 billion
deficit without having to borrow
or major tax increments that enable a two-year-old income-tax
surcharge on the wealthy to expire.
Sen. Bill Perkins he was greatly
disappointed that Gov. Cuomo camp
did not take full advantage for revenue such as the so-called
millionaire’s tax. “As a result, there
are cuts and less-than-satisfactory
restorations,” said Perkins.
By Edwin Mora
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Rangel, Gillibrand join Obama to
dedicate Ron Brown UN building
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(l-r) MECAC Committee member and feature artist Chinwe, Medgar
Evers College President Dr. William L. Pollard, Center for Women’s
Development Director Safiya Bandele
Celebration of womanhood
through Art at Medgar Evers
A diverse audience of students, faculty, community and
special guests eagerly watched
as Medgar Evers College unveiled its new Women’s History
Month exhibit “Woman: Multiple
Energies – Multiple Images” on
Thursday, March 24 in the campus’ new Academic Building
The month-long exhibit, courtesy of the Medgar Evers Art
Committee (MECAC) and the
Women’s Development Center at
Medgar Evers College, opened
with an impassioned speech from
the first lady of Medgar Evers
College, Mrs. Merriette Pollard.
Mrs. Pollard captured the spirit
of the Women’s History Month
celebration, invoking Sojourner
Truth’s 1851 poem Ain’t I A
Woman. “The voice of Sojourner
Truth made it possible for women
to proudly say, ‘I am a Woman.’”
Mrs. Pollard’s statement captured
the sentiment of the evening perfectly as it was echoed many
times by many of the participants
and those in attendance.
Mistress of Ceremonies and director of the campus’ Center for
Women’s Development, Professor Safiya Bandele spoke ardently
on the necessity of female representation in the arts, all the while
referring to the artists as geniuses. Former NY City Council
member Una Clarke, mother of
U.S. Congresswoman Yvette
Clarke, also spoke of the power
that women possess. “It is the
mothers who have the sons,” she
said to the crowd’s amusement.
“Whatever a man can do, a woman
[can] do better.” Clarke also spoke
of her individual notion of womanhood, noting, “I smile so that
when people look at my face they
see a woman dedicated to her community.”
The reception’s final speaker
was featured artist and Medgar
Evers College alumna, Chinwe
Ifeoma. She spoke of her time at
the college fondly, telling the
crowd of her transition from nursing student to artist due to the encouragement of an art professor at
the college with an eye for talent.
With that, Chinwe summed up the
will of the artist best with her closing remark. “This has been a pleasure of ours and we are passing it
to you with love.”
The exhibit’s opening reception
featured six women artists - Dorothy Burnham, Chinwe, Minerva
Diaz, Susann Hogue, Marion
Howard, and Dindga McCannon
- as well as a show fashion designer Keishel Williams, a Medgar
Evers student.
Medgar Evers College has
long embraced the fine arts,
hosting art exhibits on campus
and boasting several fine artists amongst its faculty and student body. Some of these artists, skilled in diverse mediums
from sculpting to oil painting,
have exhibited in galleries
across the country and have
garnered prestigious awards
and accolades.
Fashion Designer Keishel Williams (far left) with models.
(Photo by Tony Akeem)
Congressman Charles
Rangel and Senator Kirsten
Gillibrand today will join President Barack Obama to dedicate
the Ronald H. Brown United
States Mission to the United
Nations Building in New York
City. The event is a culmination
of the efforts by Cong. Rangel
and Sen. Gillibrand to designate a new State Department
building in New York City in
honor of Ron Brown, the late
Commerce Department Secretary and New York resident who
died in a plane crash in 1996.
Congressman Rangel said
the designation in Brown’s
name is fitting. “As Secretary
of Commerce under the Clinton
administration, he became one
of the greatest ambassadors
that the American government
ever had abroad,” he said. “It
wasn’t that he was just extending trade and getting people to
buy our goods and services.
It’s that he was extending love,
attention, and sensitivity, especially in the developing countries where we had not spent
the time that we should have.
He not only sold our wares, but
he was able to sell our reputation as a country that wanted
to help other countries.”
The 26-story building, located at 799 United Nations
Plaza across the street from the
United Nations (U.N.) General
Assembly, would house the
United States delegation to the
U.N., which carries out the
nation’s participation in the
world body.
Rangel proudly noted
Brown’s personal connections
to him, as they had both grown
up in Harlem and earned a law
degree at St. John’s University
in New York.
“My relationship to him was
really outstanding since, while
I was in school, I was the desk
clerk at a rather famous hotel
in Harlem called the Theresa
Hotel,” added Rangel. “Ron
Brown’s father was the manager of that hotel, so I got to
know Ron at a very, very early
age, and was able to see the remarkable career that he staked
Ron Brown
promoted U.S. trade, expanded
out for himself.”
The two later worked together foreign markets for American
as public servants, most notably businesses, placed a focus on
with President Bill Clinton and Africa, and spurred domestic job
Nelson Mandela to open trade in growth and economic development.
Africa.
Brown’s life was abruptly cut
Brown served as deputy executive director at the Na- short on April 3, 1996, when the
tional Urban League, helped plane carrying his delegation to
revive and reunite the Demo- the region of the former Yugoslacratic Party as the Democratic via crashed on the coast of the
National Committee Chairman, Adriatic Sea. The Department of
and was instrumental in the State had requested that Brown
e l e c t i o n o f P r e s i d e n t B i l l personally undertake an official
Clinton in 1992. Brown was Commerce Department trade misthe first African American to sion to boost economic reconchair a national political party struction in the war-torn area.
“I am very gratified that this
and serve as Secretary of
Commerce, being appointed in dedicated public servant — a be1993. As Secretary, he effec- loved son of this city and our viltively utilized and expanded lage of Harlem — will finally be
the role of the Department and recognized as one of the greatest
was known for his amiable international salesman that our
political style and his deft skill nation has had in its history.”
in negotiations. He effectively Rangel said.
Controversial advertisement featuring
tennis star Serena Williams is shelved
Special to the NNPA from the
AFRO-American newspapers
A racy video game ad featuring
Serena Williams won’t be aired on
broadcast television after the
game’s developer said it was too
risqué. The ad for “Top Spin 4”
features Williams as “the world’s
sexiest tennis player” facing off
against Rileah Vanderbilt, an actress labeled “the world’s sexiest
tennis gamer.”
The scantily-clad women make
suggestive facial expressions,
motions, and moaning while
showing lots of skin, to the tune
of a techno soundtrack. The
public response to the ad, after
Vanderbilt allegedly introduced it
to cyberspace through her Twitter account, was negative. As a
result, 2K Sports, the game’s de-
Serena Williams
veloper, canned the commercial and
distanced itself from it.
“As part of the process for creating marketing campaigns to support
our titles, we pursue a variety of creative avenues,” the company said in
a statement. “This video is not part
of the title’s final marketing campaign
and its distribution was unauthorized.”
However, to some people, 2K
Sports’ response rings hollow.
Many say that the company was
behind the ad from the start, but
didn’t want to deal with the negative attention it brought.
“2K Sports deliberately created
an absurdly racy ad to drum up interest in the game but didn’t have
the courage to officially endorse the
commercial because of possible public backlash,” a commentary on the
Web site Sports by Brooks said.
5
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NNPA Newsmaker Award recipients are applauded for their contributions
WASHINGTON (NNPA) – The
National Newspaper Publishers
Association Foundation’s 2011
Newsmaker of the Year Awards
Gala drew more than 200 Black
publishers, politicians, business
executives, and civil rights advocates to the nation’s capitol to
applaud the accomplishments of
the event’s honorees. In the tradition of past awardees, this
year’s honorees distinguished
themselves not only for their individual accomplishments but for
the courage it took to keeping
pressing for justice despite the
obstacles.
Honorees: Shirley Sherrod, who
was forced to resign from her position at the U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA) only to be
vindicated later; John Boyd, the
steadfast leader of the National
Black Farmers Association; Timothy Pigford, who led the a class
action discrimination suit between USDA and Black farmers,
which resulted in a $1.25 billion
settlement last year; 92-year-old
Garth Reeves, publisher emeritus
of The Miami Times, who used
his newspaper as the voice of the
Black community; and the 10
members of the Congressional
Black Caucus (CBC) that were
members of the Financial Services
Committee, who fought for economic advances in the Black community during the housing crisis.
Those CBC members honored
were: Emanuel Clever II (D-MO),
Gwen Moore (D-WI), Mel Watt
(D-NC), Al Green (D-TX), Andre
Carson (D-IN), Maxine Waters (DCA), David Scott (D-GA), Gregory
Meeks (D-NY), Keith Ellison (DMN), and William Lacy Clay, Jr.
(D-MO).
“This year’s honorees are
equally distinguished and we applaud them for their bravery in the
face of circumstances beyond
their control, the valiant fight they
have fought against high odds
and vigilance in their stand for financial parity in Congress for the
Black community at large and the
longevity and contributions to
the Fourth Estate,” wrote NNPA
Foundation Chairperson Dorothy
Leavell, in her message to the attendees.
Receiving a standing ovation
was the 2011 Newsmaker of the
Year, Shirley Sherrod, who Leavell
called a real heroine. “The last
thing I was wanted to do was
bring attention to me,” when she
accepted the USDA position,
Sherrod told the audience, remembering her plan to “make a difference without getting anyone’s
attention…stay under the radar.”
While working at USDA, she said
it became clear that the issues
faced by the people she was trying to help through her work, she
contends, were not raciallybased. “The issues were really
about being poor,” she said. The
solution lies is the Black community, Latino community, White
community, Asian community,
every community banding together to address their common
concerns, she related, then “we
will be able to make a difference
and will make a change.”
Helping to change how USDA
operates, was NorthStar Community Service Award recipient John
Boyd, who has been advocating
for Black famers for nearly 30
years. Introduced by event chair
Harry C. Alford as “a great Ameri-
can hero,” Boyd told the gathering that when he began talking
about the problems Black farmers
were experiencing with USDA in
the early 1980s, “I had no idea that
26 years later we would be sitting
here talking about the same issues
today.”
He applauded President
Obama for signing the Black Farmers bill last year, but noted there is
still much work to be done. And,
for those detractors who would
give up the good fight because of
the length of the battle or the size
of the opponent, Boyd stressed
“don’t give up. Don’t never,
never, never, never give up.”
Equally grateful was Timothy
Pigford, who was very humble in
accepting the award. He credited
Mary Alice Thatch, publisher of
the Wilmington Journal and Dorothy Leavell, NNPA Foundation’s
chair, for twisting his arm to get
him to the nation’s capitol for the
festivities.
The semi-formal awards ceremony was one of the highlights
of Black Press Week, which celebrated the founding of the first
Black newspaper – Freedom’s
Journal. “As we gather to celebrate Black Press Week in honor
of the founding of the first Black
newspaper in America, we must
dedicate ourselves to a very
simple truth: If Black publishers
are unified and truly stick together, we are a force in America
to be reckoned with – like no
other,” wrote Bakewell, Sr., in his
message to the gathering. “Our
newspapers must be dedicated to
doing everything they can to elevate the quality of life for African
Americans and the communities
we serve in any and every way
possible!”
Recognizing the strength and
importance of the Black Press,
honorees accepted their awards
while acknowledging the significant role Black newspapers have
played in telling their stories.
In his acceptance remarks Congressman Clay said, “Growing up
in St. Louis, I was truly blessed to
regularly read the work of some
the giants of the black
press…NNPA pioneers like
Nathaniel Sweets of the St. Louis
American; Ben Thomas of the
Evening Whirl; Eugene Mitchell
of the St. Louis Argus; and
Howard Woods of the St. Louis
Sentinel.
Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA), a
member of the CBC Financial Services Committee, said she and her
colleagues on Capitol Hill understand the power of the Black Press
and applauded the publishers for
the collective work they have been
able to accomplish. “When we
want to get a story out,” said Waters, “it is about getting that information to you.”
Standing in agreement, Rep.
Frederica Wilson, one of the newest members of the CBC, said “I
am what I am today because of the
exposure the Black Press has given
me.”These are challenging times
in urban communities. And the
role of the independent Black
Press has never been more important.
Mrs. Leavell said it was “significant that tonight we honor one of
our own in Garth Reeves, who at
92 is vibrant and is a role model
for all of us in the Black Press.
Reeves said “it has been quite a
ride (his years of publishing The
CBC Members Congresspersons William Lacy Clay (D-MO) and Maxine Waters (D-CA) (center) were
two of ten Congresspersons honored for their bold action as members of the Financial Services Committee at the dinner. They are flanked by Dorothy R. Leavell, NNPA Foundation Chairperson (left) and Danny
J. Bakewell (right). (Photo by Carole Geary)
DOROTHY R. LEAVELL, NNPA Foundation Chair (left) is joined by Harry C Alford, President and CEO of
the National Black Chamber of Commerce and Black Press Week Chair, who made a spirited presentation
to Dr. John Boyd, President of the National Black Farmers Association and Danny J. Bakewell, Sr., Chair
of NNPA (right).
Shirley Sherrod (center), “Newsmaker of the Year” recipient receives her award from NNPA Foundation Chairperson, Dorothy R.
Leavell (left) and Danny J. Bakewell, Sr., NNPA Chair.
(Photo by Carole Geary)
Miami Times),” one in which there
was no thought of doing anything
else when taking over the reins
from his father Henry S. Reeves.
His daughter, Rachael Reeves is
now the Publisher of the publication, who Reeves gave credit for
new innovations and the success
of the publication.
Not to be left out, sponsor
Jocelyn Allen of General Motors
told of the importance of the Black
Press and how her own stories
may well have gone untold had it
not been for the Black Press. She
lauded the Michigan Chronicle for
keeping her in the spotlight in Detroit. McNeil announced how The
Nielsen Company, through the Black
Press intends to tell the story of the
importance and power of the Black
Consumer in coming months, while
Morrison reiterated his commitment
to supporting the Black Press
through UniWorld Group, whose
clients include Home Depot and
Ford Motor Company. Other speakers included Larry Waters, who
Leavell praised for his years of support through Black Press Week and
the A. Philip Randolph Awards
given annually at the NNPA Convention. Michelle Thornhill, Senior
Vice President at Wells Fargo expressed her pleasure in joining as a
sponsor this year of Black Press
Week activities.
A surprise presentation of an
award to Moses Brewer of
MillerCoors Brewing Company was
presented by Leavell, who said she
wanted to make this award just in
case she was not around when he
finally decided to retire. Brewer she
said has been a supporter of the
Black Press for many years.
Event sponsors included AT&T,
Ford Motor Company, General Motors Corporation, MillerCoors Brewing Co., The Nielsen Company, and
Wells Fargo.
Blackridge homeowner
is charging redlining
employees from G.S. Jones. “They
By Christian Morrow
Special to the NNPA from the came with the firemen. There were
two fire trucks, fire Captain Hale,
New Pittsburgh Courier
two firefighters, and five men from
Fourteen months after a burst G.S. Jones,” said Woodruff. “Then
pipe ruined walls, ceilings and two weeks later Captain Hale
appliances in her Blackridge home, called me and asked if they were
Jana Woodruff is close to getting still working. I thought that was
her kitchen finished. It would not odd, why would he care?”
They were working, but for not
have taken so long, she said, had
the restoration contractor - G.S. much longer. After they received
Jones - charged her more than if more than $6,500 of her initial insurance disbursement, Woodruff
she’d lived somewhere else.
“Mathew Poole, the estimator, planned to fire them. But, after the
sat right here in my living room meeting in her house, she relented,
and said, ‘we base our prices on telling them she wanted a detailed
zip codes,’” Woodruff said. cost estimate on the work they
“That is the basis of my com- were to do. She never got it, and
plaint with the state Human Rela- Lewis received another $6,500.She
tions Commission.” Redlining fired them in March and filed her
in real estate is the practice of re- complaint with the HRC. She also
fusing to sell property in certain complained to the Better Business
neighborhoods to minorities even Bureau. In the interim, she went
if they can afford it. Charging to Lowes to replace the stove mipeople a higher rate for a given crowave and kitchen cabinets
service based on where they live damaged in the flood. When the
is also redlining, and is a Civil contractors left they damaged her
Rights violation. Some of the yard and left debris behind. Woocharges she considers excessive druff had most of the remaining
included $850 for a dumpster, restoration done by a Lowes’ conwhich was never delivered and tractor. She finally had a hearing
$350 to caulk a bathtub.
with the commission Feb. 4.
Woodruff, who used to sell real
“I tried to resolve this with G.S.
estate before an anxiety disabil- Jones directly. I only want $6,812
ity forced her to quit, admits she back for the overcharges and dammight have replaced the contrac- age, so I can finish this. It’s 14
tor before it burned through most months and I still don’t have a
of her initial insurance disburse- kitchen,” she said. “A HRC ruling
ment for the damages. But, the in my favor would allow me to sue
company’s quick initial response in Federal Court where I could sue
to her crisis, she said, clouded her for compensatory and punitive
judgment. “I didn’t think about damages.” Lyle Wood, investigetting someone else. I was down gator for the HRC, said he cannot
on my knees thanking God that discuss the details of the case but
the problem was getting fixed,” does not anticipate his investigashe said.
tion continuing much longer.
But upon further review, that When contacted for comment, G.
initial response was curious. S. Jones co-owner Scott Jones,
Woodruff’s pipes burst inside a declined comment. His attorney
top floor wall late at night on Jan. Richard Saxe was away from the
10, 2010. Unable to turn off the office all week.(Send comments to
valves, she called the Wilkinsburg cmorrow@newpittsburghcourier.comThis
fire department. They arrived e-mail address is being protected
about 10 minutes later, turned off from spambots.
the water. But, it wasn’t the fire You need JavaScript enabled to
personnel who did this. It was view it.
7
Descendants of distinguished black publishers
4 publishers added to Gallery of
Distinguished Black Publishers
WASHINGTON, D.C. (NNPA)
2011 was the enshrinement of
four deceased publishers to the
Gallery of Distinguished Black
Publishers at the Moorland
Spingarn Research Center at
Howard University.
The Browsing Room at the
Center was filled with National
Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) publishers and
guests when the plaques were
presented to Dr. Clifford L.
Muse, Jr., University Archivist
Dr. Diane Ravitch to critique
testing in City College address
Dr. Diane Ravitch, education
historian and assistant secretary
of education under President
George H.W. Bush, will critique
the role of testing and choice in
education in an address 5 p.m.
Wednesday, April 6, at The City
College of New York.
Her speech is part of the Doyle
and Alba Bortner Distinguished
Speaker Series in Urban Education, which was begun in 2010.
The talk is free and open to the
public and will take place in the
College’s faculty dining room, located on the third floor of the
North Academic Center.
Currently research professor
of education at New York University and a nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings
Institution in Washington, Dr.
Ravitch will discuss “How
Testing and Choice are Undermining Education.” The topic
is the focus of her latest book,
“The Death and Life of the
Great American School Sys-
tem: How Testing and Choice
Are Undermining Education”
(Basic Books, 2010).
Dr. Ravitch served as assistant secretary of education and
counselor to Secretary of Education Lamar Alexander from
1991 to 1993 and was responsible for the Office of Educational Research and Improvement. As assistant secretary,
she led the federal effort to promote creation of voluntary state
and national academic standards.
From 1997 to 2004, she was a
member of the National Assessment Governing Board, which
oversees the National Assessment of Educational Progress,
the federal testing program.
F r o m 1 9 9 5 u n t i l 2 0 0 5 , D r.
Ravitch held the Brown Chair in
Education Studies at the
Brookings Institution and edited Brookings Papers on Education Policy.
Besides “The Death and Life
of the Great American School
System,” she has written nine
other books on education and
edited 14 more. Her awards
and honors include election to
the National Academy of Education, Society of American
Historians, American Academy
of Arts and Sciences and
Eleanor Roosevelt Fellow of the
American Academy of Political
and Social Sciences.
A native of Houston, she received a BA from Wellesley
College in 1960 and a PhD in
history from Columbia University in 1975.
The Doyle and Alba Bortner
Distinguished Speaker Series
in Urban Education is sponsored by the City College
School of Education. Professor Doyle Bortner, dean emeritus of the School of Education
at CCNY, and his late wife,
Alba, endowed the event. He
served as dean from 1966 to
1976.
at the Research Center.
Enshrinees, which joined 63
others in the gallery, were:
Cloves Campbell, Sr. and Dr.
Charles Campbell, deceased
publishers of the Arizona Informant; Charles W. Cherry, publisher of the Daytona Times
and Florida Courier; and N. A.
Sweets, publisher of the St.
Louis American.
Accepting on behalf of the
Campbells was the son of
Cloves Campbell, Sr., Cloves
Campbell, Jr., who now, along
with Dr. Campbell’s son are
serving as publishers of The
Arizona Informant. Campbell
spoke emotionally about the
elder Campbell’s dedication to
the Black community and his
refusal to leave that community
as so many successful persons
have done in recent history. He
recounted how he was attending a NNPA convention in New
Orleans when he received word
that his father, who was also an
Arizona State Senator, had died
at the newspaper, doing what
he loved most.
Leavell recalled how NNPA
came for a Mid-Winter workshop in 1984 and left in protest
when the state of Arizona resisted honoring Dr. King’s
birthday as a holiday in that
state. She said that it was one
of the brightest hours for the
Black Press of America.
Adding some remarks jokingly during the presentations Leavell said however,
it was no joke about the contributions to the Black Press
(newspapers and radio) that
Charles W. Cherry Sr. made
in Florida. Accepting the
plaque in his honor was
Charles W. Cherry II, who elo-
quently recounted a speech that
his father had made in accepting
another honor during his lifetime. The elder Cherry talked
about the importance of owning
Black media and lauded the
strong tradition started by his
ancestors to improving the education and entrepreneurship of
each subsequent generation.
John B. Smith, publisher of the
Atlanta Inquirer, made remarks in
his presentation that the elder
Cherry was his friend and fellow
Morehouse graduate.
Personal accounts added
much to the presentations by
Leavell. She noted that N.A.
Sweets and his family (wife and
children) were so accepting of
her as a young widowed publisher and that it was a pleasure
to have the opportunity to preside at the enshrinement of Mr.
Sweets.
Dr. Donald K. Suggs, presently the publisher of the St.
Louis American, made remarks
prior to the presentation of the
plaque. He noted that it was an
honor to make the presentation
to his best friend, Fred Sweets,
son of N.A. Sweets.
The younger Sweets, who was
accompanied to the event by his
wife, is a noted photographer in
the nation’s capitol. Sweet’s
remarks were so fitting and made
the publisher more human by
adding that in addition to his
dedication to publishing he also
enjoyed going to the racetrack
and a good game of cards.
A sumptuous lunch and tour
of the Gallery concluded the
event. Words of enjoyment and
fulfillment of dedication of a
committed Black Press could be
heard as attendees left the
Founder’s Library.
8
Editorial
New York
Beacon
Walter Smith: Publisher & Editor-in-Chief
Miatta Haj Smith: Co-Publisher & Executive Editor
William Egyir: Managing Editor
Siddiqui: The U.S. double standard
By Hassan Ammar
The world has wisely intervened in Libya to stop a tyrant
from killing his own people.
But it won’t do the same for
pro-democracy forces in
B a h r a i n , Ye m e n a n d o t h e r
places in the region.
Barack Obama helped engineer regime change in Egypt
and joined the Anglo-Frenchled attack on Libya that should
lead to regime change there.
But these allies, including
Canada, won’t help topple
other autocrats who are also
attacking their citizens.
Worse, Obama and Co. acquiesced to a Saudi-led military intervention in Bahrain to
support the king against the
will of his people.
This cynical, self-serving response to the Arab awakening
is sowing the seeds of future
conflicts between Arabs and
the West and, therefore, Muslims and the West, the very divide that Obama has tried hard
to bridge.
Welcome to Obama’s realpolitik.
He has sacrificed his grand promise of universal human rights and
democracy at the altar of American interests.
All states work in their own interests but few claim the moral
leadership that America does.
After siding, albeit reluctantly,
with the people’s revolutions in
Tunisia and Egypt against proAmerican regimes, Obama has reverted to Washington’s old
double standard of one law for allies, another for adversaries.
Dissidents in Iran and Syria will,
therefore, be cheered on and materially backed in their heroic bids
to unseat their regimes. Stephen
Harper will be among those beat-
ing the drums hard.
But he and others won’t be
speaking up, except in banalities,
in support of dissidents elsewhere,
not just those in Bahrain and
Yemen but also in Algeria, Jordan,
Oman, Morocco and Saudi Arabia.
The autocrats there, repressive in
varying degrees, will be counseled
against using violence but not
penalized for resorting to it, some
more viciously than others.
The U.S. wants these allies to
reform, not fall.
Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al
Khalifa uses far more foreign mercenaries than Moammar Gadhafi.
He and Yemeni President Ali
Abdullah Saleh have been no less
brutal than Gadhafi. Yet there’s no
call to the United Nations for a nofly zone over either country.
No bombs will be dropped on
Bahrain, host to the U.S. Navy’s
Fifth Fleet and also home to an
American air base. Nor is Obama
pressuring Saleh to quit. Saleh is
an ally in counterterrorism efforts
against Al Qaeda and provides
fuelling facilities for American warships.
Let’s not forget what the Arab
autocrats, and the other regional
actors, have been up to.
King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia
did not seek United Nations permission to send troops into neighboring Bahrain to save King
Khalifa.
The latter is a fellow Sunni ruling over a majority Shiite population that’s systematically discriminated against. The Shiites are routinely abused by an army that’s
exclusively Sunni, its ranks recruited from Pakistan, Jordan, Syria
and Yemen, many of whom are
granted citizenship to alter the
demographic mix.
The Bahraini Shiites are also demonized as a fifth column for Shiite
Iran. This even though there is
no evidence of Iranian meddling.
The Bahraini Shiites are making
political, not sectarian, demands.
The second reason for propping
up Khalifa is to avoid a possible
domino effect that the fall of one
monarchy may have on all the
others in the region — American
allies all, sitting on oil.
There are two views on
Abdullah’s move. Having failed
to convince Obama not to abandon Egypt’s Hosni Mubarak, a
longtime American client, he was
swift to protect Khalifa, a Saudi
client. Or that Abdullah did consult Obama and arrived at a quid
pro quo — the Arabs would cut
Gadhafi loose and the West would
not interfere in Bahrain and Saudi
Arabia.
There is no mass protest movement in Saudi Arabia. But the
most potent opposition comes
from Shiites, a persecuted minority in that country. They live in
the oil-rich eastern province,
across a 23-kilometre causeway
from Bahrain.
The Shiites in Bahrain and Saudi
Arabia are thus doubly damned
— for making the same political
demands that other Arabs are
making and for being Shia.
The Arab uprising, as transformative as it already has been, has
run not only into stiff domestic
resistance but also geopolitical
realities, regional and international.
American flirtation with the
Arab spring is coming to an
end, if it has not already. The
new world order is beginning
to look like the old world order.
Haroon Siddiqui is the Star’s editorial page editor emeritus. His
column appears on Thursday and
Sunday. hsiddiqui@thestar.ca
Banks’ foreclosure
bias hurts everyone
By Charlene Crowell
NNPA Columnist
Fix or Evict, the Center for Responsible Lending’s latest in a series of research reports on mortgage lending and foreclosures,
reaches eye-opening conclusions
in its ongoing scrutiny of
America’s still-unfolding foreclosure crisis. It’s no secret that banks
and other loan servicers are harming struggling homeowners by
pushing unnecessary foreclosure.
Now, this research shows that
banks are also acting directly
against the best interests of loan
investors – the companies that
own the loans including pension
funds and life insurance companies.
Most importantly, the report
found that the lending industry’s
poor track record on loan modifications cannot be blamed on
homeowners who re-default.
“It’s well documented how
mortgage servicers’ unfair, shoddy
practices have hurt homeowners,”
said Mike Calhoun, president of
CRL. “This research shows that
servicers also routinely give the
investment community a raw deal.”
At present, families facing
eviction outnumber those with a
modification by a 12-1 margin. Updated statistics show that residential mortgage foreclosures are on
track to reach 13 million by the end
of 2014 at a cost of nearly $1 trillion in direct losses to families, local governments, and financial institutions. When CRL factored in
the lost value to homes in close
proximity of foreclosures, $1.9 trillion in losses will be stripped away
by 2012. From CRL’s perspective,
it is time for the banks to accept
the consequences for the hundreds of billions of dollars in damages that have been inflicted on
the nation. It was the lack of accountability by banks that is so
disturbing when the public bailed
them out. Before any foreclosure
is allowed to proceed, there needs
to be full disclosure for
homeowners and investors to ensure that every loan got a good
look from the servicer. Further, the
current loan servicing investiga-
tion by the nation’s attorneys general must result in remedies to reform an industry that perpetuated
the crisis. Let’s not forget that this
crisis began with foreclosures and
spread to the rest of the economy.
Findings from Fix or Evict? also
corroborate recent data from the
Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP), which showed how
four out of five households that received HAMP modifications are still
current on their mortgages. Unlike
many short-term loan repairs that
occur outside the HAMP program,
HAMP loan modifications are most
likely to involve reducing the
homeowner’s monthly payment –
and this is the type of modification
that is likely to be the most successful.
It is amid this growing body of
objective analyses that some from
the investment side are questioning the low number of modifications
as well.
“The misalignment of economic
interests between the owners of
mortgages and those who service
them is the single reason why the
mortgage problem has become a crisis and a massive economic drain
on this country”, said Bill Frey, president of Greenwich Financial Services
and a longtime investor advocate.
“Servicers have been allowed to
follow their own voluntary loan
modification program”, said CRL’s
Calhoun, “and the result has gone
against the best interests of everyone but the servicers themselves.
We need mandatory reforms that
ensure servicers follow the law and
act in the best interests of their clients – that would end up benefiting
everyone.”
Perhaps if investors with deep
pockets could align themselves with
the people whose pockets have
been picked, we could have a real
and sustainable recovery. Sure, it
would be an odd couple alignment.
But, maybe after so many losses, it’s
the one that could make the true difference.
Charlene Crowell is the Center for Responsible Lending’s
communications manager for
state policy and outreach.
She can be reached at:
Charlene.crowell@responsiblelending.org
When the Feds embrace a gangster corporation
By Harry C. Alford
Beyond The Rhetoeic
The construction industry has
a bad reputation. That reputation
is well earned as we are constantly
being informed of fraud, cost overruns, and safety violations related to big and small construction projects at a relentless and
never ending rate. So, it was apropos when the federal government along with the State of New
York decided to come up with a
crime busting taskforce aimed at
the construction activity within
the region. They knew they were
going after the five Mafia families
but they also ended up with a big
catch outside the typical organized crime membership. They
took the “scalp” of the gigantic
firm known as Tutor Perini.
The taskforce was comprised of
members from Department of Justice, IRS, U.S. Department of
Transportation, Office of State Inspector General, and U.S. Department of Labor and New York City
of Transportation. According to
the New York U.S. Attorney’s office: “Following a four-week trial,
a federal jury in Brooklyn yesterday (March 9, 2011) found Zohrab
B. Marashlian, the former president of Perini Corp.’s Civil Division, an international construction services corporation, guilty
of fraud and conspiracy to launder money.
The charges arose out of
Marashlian’s false representation
to New York government agencies that Disadvantaged Business Entities (DBE’s) were performing work in connection with
major public works contracts,
when, in reality, Marashlian had
non-disadvantaged businesses
favored by Perini Corp. do the
work.”
Tutor Perini paid Marashlian $14
million in salary while all this was
going on. Two days before
Marashlian was to receive a multiyear prison sentence he committed suicide. A fellow employee is
currently doing a long prison term
for the same case.
Perini has been caught doing
such things over and over again.
They are absolutely ridiculous in
California projects. It is like DBE
fronting is a part of its business
model. Overall, fraud appears to be
a part of that model also. According to the Seattle News, some of the
Perini headlines read: “In February,
Tutor-Saliba and Perini agreed to
pay $19 million to settle racketeering and fraud allegations in a San
Francisco airport project.”
“In 2004, Perini agreed to pay
the federal government $998,500 to
settle fraud claims in the construction of an embassy building in Venezuela.” “The companies are embroiled in an 11 year legal battle over
(CONTINUED ON PAGE 25)
9
Hail on the chief: Obama takes hits on all sides
By Linton Weeks
President Obama has “often confounded his opponents
by defying political stereotypes,” says Julian Zelizer, a
presidential historian at
Princeton University.
.Alas, President Obama.
He: can’t win for losing; is
damned if he does, damned if
he doesn’t; is stuck between
Iraq and a hard ... you get the
idea.
Take the Libya intervention,
for example. On the right, Republican Sens. John McCain
and Lindsey Graham gripe that
Obama didn’t order airstrikes
on Moammar Gadhafi’s air defense system soon enough. On
the left, Democratic Rep. Dennis Kucinich grouses that
Obama should be impeached
for calling the airstrike at all.
Or the budget. On the left,
Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV)
says the president “has failed
to lead this debate or offer a
serious proposal for spending
and cuts he would be willing
to fight for.” On the right, Sen.
Jeff Sessions (R-AL), the ranking member of the Senate Budget Committee, says of
Obama’s budget: “What we
have learned is that White
House budget estimates employed a number of gimmicks
to conceal the true extent of its
staggering cost.”
Or just the way he is. On the
left, Paul Begala criticizes Obama
for being “a little airy-fairy and
professorial for me.” And on the
right, former Gov. Sarah Palin (RAK), Gov. Haley Barbour (R-MS)
and others take swipes at Obama
every chance they get.
Left, right, left, right. A left jab to
the jaw. A right kick to the solar
plexus. The president has become
a veritable kickboxing bag for a pugilistic nation.
Is Obama more vulnerable to
bipartisan battering than other
recent presidents? Perhaps.
Maybe because he is younger
and he came into office as a political unknown. Maybe because
he appears standoffish.
In 2008, Obama was a
Rorschachian candidate and people
projected whatever they hoped for
onto him. Now, three years later,
Obama is a power-wielding president and people project whatever
they fear onto him.
Obama “has always used his plastic persona to his advantage,” says
Julian Zelizer, a presidential historian at Princeton University. “During the 2008 campaign, he was able
to put together a broad coalition
ranging from progressive activists
to disaffected Republicans because
everyone could see something in
him that they liked. He continued
to use this persona during the
heated first two years of his presidency.”
The Republicans undercut
some of Obama’s successes,
Zelizer says, by painting him
as a left-of-center Democrat
even when he shifted toward
the center. “Still, he often confounded his opponents by
defying political stereotypes,”
Zelizer says. “Many other
presidents have taken this approach as well. We just need
to remember Bill Clinton.”
But at some point, Zelizer
says, “it is important that the
president articulates a certain
set of core principles, some
kind of line in the sand, so that
he still appears as a leader and
so that he has the political
capital to push through legislation.”
Despite the slings and arrows, Obama still calls on the
“president for all people”
rhetoric he used in his campaign. Here is a sound bite
from his 2011 State of the
Union speech: “We may have
differences in policy, but we
all believe in the rights enshrined in our Constitution.
We may have different opinions, but we believe in the
same promise that says this is
a place where you can make it
if you try. We may have different backgrounds, but we
believe in the same dream that
says this is a country where
anything’s possible.”
But the day-to-day realities
of being president can temper
a soul. The poetry that helped
Obama soar through the cam-
paign has become the prose of
everyday governance, says
Mac McCorkle, who teaches
the politics of public policy at
Duke University and the University of North Carolina. “In
the end, he is a pol, not a
prophet.”
Obama is a top-notch politician, McCorkle says. “He’s just
liberal enough, just pragmatic
enough. But still, he is being
hit for everything. The amazing
thing is: He has taken all these
punches and he still has pretty
impressive support from the
American people after two very
tough years in office.”
Through all the political harping and carping, Obama’s popularity is strong enough that he is
revving up for re-election. He came
into office in January 2009 with an
approval rating above 60 percent.
He lost 2 points a month on average for the first six months — before the town halls of August 2009.
Eventually he drifted down
into the mid-40s, where he
spent most of 2010, leading into
the disastrous-for-Democrats
midterm election. He has since
climbed his way back to around
50 percent — just above or below depending on the poll.
Not too shabby considering
the laundry list of disasters —
local and global — he has
faced.
He inherited at least two
complex international military
situations, in Iraq and Afghani-
stan. And a subprime mortgage
crisis at home. In his 25 or so
months in office, he has dealt
with the bankruptcies of
automakers, sweeping bankingindustry reform, destructive
earthquakes in Haiti and Japan,
a major mining disaster in West
Virginia, the shooting of a U.S.
representative in Tucson and
much more.
In the end, all presidents are
punching-bag presidents while
in office. Their popularity glows,
then flickers, like a candle flame.
And it often seems that we love
our presidents more once they leave
the White House — think Jimmy
Carter and Bill Clinton and George
H.W. Bush. In fact, George W. Bush,
our most recent ex-president, has
come up 11 points in the public estimate since leaving office. Bill
Clinton is up 15 points.
With an increasingly critical
blogosphere and 24-7 news channels, contemporary presidential politics is played out in a spotlighted
ring before a rowdy and fickle crowd.
The purse is huge. No wonder a sitting president gets hit from all sides.
Here’s the price of admission:
Whereas we once had respect for
the office of the presidency regardless of which man was in the office,
now it seems we have lost our awe
for the office and for the man in it.
Until he moves out and we don’t
have him — or his dog — to kickbox
around anymore.
NPR’s Senior Washington Editor
Ron Elving contributed to this.
The U.S. switches back and forth on Gaddafi
By George E. Curry
NNPA Columnist
The United States’ relationship with Moammar Gaddafi has
vacillated over the years, at one
time viewing him as a mad dog
leader, then accepting him into the
international community as a
member in good standing and
more recently, depicting him as an
outcast while participating in coordinated multi-national air
strikes on Libya.
In a recent speech to the nation on Monday night, President
Obama defended his decision to
join France, the United Nations
and now NATO in launching air
strikes on the African country to
protect civilians.
The mass protests that led to
the downfall of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak after 35 years
in power and the 23-year tenure
of Tunisia President Zine alAbidine Ben Ali have inspired
protests throughout Northern Africa and the Middle East – including in Libya, Bahrain, and Yemen
– and have underscored the
United States’ inconsistent foreign policy. While professing
support for democracy around
the world, the U.S. has openly
supported dictators who routinely exploited and killed their
own people, as was the case in
Egypt under Mubarak and is the
case in Bahrain under King Hamad
bin Isa al-Khalifa. In those and
other instances, the U.S. turned a
deft ear to human rights violations
because the leaders of those countries were allied with America in the
fight against international terrorism.
In the case of Gaddafi, he has
been considered both friend and
foe. Libya, a mostly desert country about four times the size of California, was divided into three different provinces, each with deep
tribal tension, until a Gaddafi-led
revolution ousted its former king in
1969. Even Gaddafi’s severest critics concede that he has used
Libya’s newly-discovered oil wealth
to uplift the poor, improving hospitals, and schools. Detractors say
he runs an oppressive regime where
political opponents are victims of
public hangings. Gaddafi became
an international pariah 25 years ago.
In 1986, the Reagan administration
accused Libyan agents of bombing
a disco in Berlin, Germany in which
two American soldiers were killed.
Reagan retaliated by bombing
Libya. In the process, dozens of
innocent civilians were killed, including Gaddafi’s adopted infant
daughter.
Two years later, Libya experienced the wrath of the international
community after it was suspected
of bombing Pan Am Flight 103 over
Lockerbie, Scotland that resulted
in the deaths of 270 people. In
1992, the United Nations applied
sanctions against Libya for failing to turn over two suspects in
the bombing.
Beginning in 1998, when it
became the first nation to issue
an international arrest warrant for
Osama bin Laden, Libya took a
series of high-profile actions to
repair its tarnished international
reputation.
In 1999, Gaddafi turned over
two suspects in the Pan Am
bombing, prompting the U.N. to
lift economic sanctions against
Libya. Two years later, when the
two suspects were found guilty
of murder, Gaddafi condemned
the Sept. 11 attacks and urged his
fellow citizens to donate blood
to the victims.
The U.N. made additional concessions in 2003 by lifting travel
and weapons bans against Libya
after it formally accepted responsibility for the Pan Am bombing.
Libya paid more than $2 billion
to settle claims by the victims’
families. In another step toward
regaining international respectability, Libya disbanded its
nuclear program and provided
the CIA with information that
helped uncover a nuclear underground market in Europe.
President George W. Bush,
eyeing Libya as a potential partner in the war against terrorism,
lifted most U.S. trade sanctions in
2004.
Describing the newly-thawed relationship, the Los Angeles Times,
which spells the Libyan leader’s
last name differently from most
news outlets, observed: “As it
struggles to combat Islamic terrorist networks, the Bush administration has quietly built an intelligence alliance with Libyan leader
Moammar Kadafi, a onetime bitter
enemy the U.S. had tried for years
to isolate, topple or kill. “Kadafi
has helped the U.S. pursue Al
Qaeda’s network in North Africa
by turning radicals over to neighboring pro-Western governments.
He has also provided information
to the CIA on Libyan nationals
with alleged ties to international
terrorists.”
The newspaper continued, “In
turn, the U.S. has handed over to
Tripoli some anti-Kadafi Libyans
captured in its campaign against
terrorism. And Kadafi’s agents
have been allowed into the
Guantanamo Bay detention camp
in Cuba to interrogate Libyans being held there.”
The international media’s obsession with highlighting only war,
disease, poverty, and national disasters in Africa, means that many
Americans don’t know about the
progress being made in expanding
democracy on the continent.
The leaders of Egypt and Libya
have been in power more than three
decades. However, two-thirds of
the 54 countries in Africa have leaders that have been in power 15 years
or less.
According to a 2008 poll of
19 African countries by
www.afrobarometer.org, 29 percent
of those polled rated their country
as a full democracy, 30 percent of
the respondents described their
country as a democracy with minor
problems, 25 percent labeled their
country as a democracy with major
problems and only 11 percent said
they either didn’t live in a democracy or didn’t know the status of
their nation. The major fear among
some African leaders is that having
joined in the air strikes against
Libya, the Obama administration
may now use that as an excuse to
support military intervention in
other African counties, providing a
further setback to sovereignty and
self-governance on the continent.
George E. Curry, former editor-in-chief of Emerge magazine
and the NNPA News Service, is
a keynote speaker, moderator,
and media coach. He can be
reached through his Web site,
www.georgecurry.com You can
also follow him at www.twitter.com/
currygeorge.
Opinion
10
African Scene
U.N. says over one million
people have fled Ivory Coast
Wole Soyinka
Nigerians deploying Internet
against fraud in upcoming poll
With possessions balanced on
their heads, about 1,000 people
frantically crowded around buses
rented by Mali to evacuate its citizens Friday from Ivory Coast, as
the U.N. said up to 1 million have
fled their homes amid fears of civil
war.
More than 2 million Malians live
in neighboring Ivory Coast, and
human rights groups say the foreigners are facing growing threats
of violence as the Ivorian political
crisis intensifies. Evacuation efforts have been hampered by a
lack of buses so far.
“700 today. 700 tomorrow. Everyone who wants to leave will be
able to as long as I’m here,” said
Hamet Diawara, president of the
council of Malians in Ivory Coast.
Incumbent leader Laurent
Gbagbo has refused to cede office despite his rival Alassane
Ouattara being recognized by the
international community as the
rightful winner of November’s
presidential election. Pro-Gbagbo
forces have attacked foreigners
from the region whose countries
have supported Ouattara.
“We’re afraid. Everyone’s leaving,” said Abdias Goita, a father
of two who sat patiently in the
shade next to the Malian buses.
“My brother had his door broken
down by pro-Gbagbo militias. He
gave them all the money he had
— about 200,000 francs ($430) —
but they slit his throat anyway.”
Armed youth manning makeshift
roadblocks have sprung up
Special to the NNPA from the GlN and allows monitoring organizations to draw conclusions about
With more than 29 million us- the legitimacy and accuracy of the
ers of the internet across Nigeria, elections,” according to the site
election officials and activists are http://eienigeria.org Meanwhile,
turning to the web to monitor the close to a million people were discountry’s upcoming national elec- covered to be double-registered in
the just-ended voter registration
tions in early April.
Nobel laureate, Professor period, according to the IndepenWole Soyinka, and the chair of dent National Electoral Commisthe national electoral commission. Those involved will be prossion observed the launch of ecuted, said INEC chair Attahiru
reclaimnaija.net – a website Jega, including some “high profile
based on the Ushahidi technol- Nigerians.”
ogy developed in Kenya to About 73.58 million people regtrack activities at polling places istered during the exercise that
nationwide. Social media has ended on Feb. 5.
Meanwhile, eyewitnesses realso been called into action.
ReVoDa, a new mobile application port more than a dozen deaths
from the Enough is Enough Nige- and the burning of campaign
ria coalition, allows citizens to re- vehicles in the state of Akwa
port violence/fraud, police behav- Ibom stemming from an apparior, election staff conduct, etc, ent grudge match between supfrom their respective polling units porters of current president
– and from their mobile phones. Goodluck Jonathan and candi“ReVoDa turns eligible voters date Akpan Udoedeghe of an Special to the NNPA from the GlN
into informal election observers, opposition party.
A growing chorus of African
leaders are loudly voicing opposition to the U.S.-led bombing
campaign against Libyan President Muammar Gaddafi, allegedly
aimed at disabling his air force but
Special to the NNPA from the GlN is frustrating”, said student also, as President Obama has said,
Ousmane Traoré.
“to tell Mr. Gaddafi he has to go.”
The death of a student in po- “Burkina Faso’s government ap- “We condemn the obvious
lice custody has set off massive pears worried about the possibil- double standards and hypocrisy
student protests and the govern- ity of a protest movement gaining of the West in ignoring the ravagment closing of all universities, steam,” observed Alex Thurston, ing bloodshed and abuse of hudormitories, and student cafete- a blogger with the Christian Sci- man rights in Yemen, Bahrain and
rias in this west African nation. ence Monitor. The country’s rul- Saudi Arabia,” said Dr. Koku
Authorities used tear gas to dis- ers may be hoping to snuff out the Adomdza, president of the Counperse thousands of students movement before its turns its an- cil for Afrika International, a U.K.marching Friday to protest the ger towards autocratic President based think tank.
“We urge proactive diplomatic
apparent murder of student Jus- Blaise Compaore.
tin Zongo on Feb. 22. Red Cross
A graduate of President and mediatory intervention and
officials said nearly 30 people Gaddafi’s World Revolutionary condemn foreign military intervenwere wounded at the rally.
Center, Compaore took power in a tion, since the latter will only esOfficial reports stated men- 1987 coup in which his predeces- calate violence.” In Nigeria’s capiingitis as the cause of Zongo’s sor, Thomas Sankara, was killed. tal city of Abuja, Foreign Affairs
death. But, the students claim He was voted president in dis- Minister Odein Ajumogobia exit was police brutality. “There puted elections in 1991, 1998, 2005, pressed reservations at what he
w a s a p o l i c e b l u n d e r i n and 2010.
described as the ‘complexities and
Koudougou. We are in free
The gold-rich nation has seen contradictions of international forcountry so we have the right numerous general strikes over eign policy’.
to demand justice. Impunity is economic grievances and human ‘The international community imposed a no-fly zone in Libya,
rampant in this country and it rights violations
Laurent Gbagbo
around the city. Activists accuse
them of stopping and searching
all cars, sometimes beating and
killing those with foreign-sounding names.
“I’m of Malian origin, but I
was born here,” said one
woman, who asked not to be
named for fear of reprisals.
“Now, because of the election
... we are forced to leave, to
leave the place where we were
born and where we grew up.”
The United Nations said Friday
that up to 1 million people have
fled their homes to safer areas.
“The massive displacement
in Abidjan and elsewhere is
being fueled by fears of all-out
war,” Melissa Fleming, spokes-
woman for the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, told reporters in Geneva.
The closure of banks and businesses is causing economic
chaos in the already impoverished West African country, she
said. Unemployment is rising, as
are food prices.
On the main road between
Abidjan and the border with
Ghana, an AP cameraman saw
hundreds of vehicles backed up
more than 9 miles (15 kilometers)
waiting to cross over.
Fleming said previous estimates had put the number of displaced in the whole country at
500,000, indicating a sharp rise
in recent days.
The global body is concerned
that the fighting could spread to
neighboring Liberia, which itself
is recovering from years of conflict. Fleming said there are indications that Liberian mercenaries are arriving in Ivory Coast
through the countries’ porous
435-mile (700 kilometer)border.
The U.N.’s human rights office
said at least 462 people have been
killed in fighting since December,
with at least 52 killed in the past
week.
The Geneva-based office also
has received unconfirmed reports of 200 foreigners being
killed in the west of the country,
said spokesman Rupert Colville.
Associated Press writer Frank
Jordans in Geneva contributed
to this report.
African leaders are loudly opposed to
disputed US-led bombing campaign
Massive student-led protest
in Burkina Faso recalls Egypt
President Jacob Zuma
seemingly to protect civilians, yet
the same international community
watches as women are killed in
Cote d’Ivoire,’ he said. In South
Africa, President Jacob Zuma
called for an immediate cease-fire
and said his government would
not support any foreign effort to
overthrow the government of
Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi,
which has been battling an eastern-based insurgency for the past
month. “We say no to the killing of
civilians, no to the regime-change
doctrine and no to the foreign occupation of Libya or any other sovereign state,” Zuma said. Zuma is
part of a special committee appointed by the African Union to
mediate the Libya conflict.
The Union has also criticized the
multinational coalition attacks on
Libyan anti-aircraft and communications installations in which several
dozen civilians were reportedly
killed. Other leaders speaking out
against the bombing strikes include
Namibia’s President Hifikepunye
Pohamba, the presidents of Zimbabwe and Uganda. Dr. Jesse Jackson, during a visit to Trinity College Historical Society in Dublin,
concurred with the African heads of
state.
“Something had to happen to stop
the genocidal march,” he said. “On
the other hand, the U.N.’s resolution was about containment and
cessation not about aggression. It
was not a resolution to wipe out
Gaddafi but a humanitarian mission
to save the victims of genocide.”
Pro-Gaddafi Libyan women protesting bombing raids.
By Monica Land
Special to the NNPA from the
Mississippi Link
Cong. John Lewis
Cong. Lewis to receive
‘Great American’ award
The Joint Center for Political
and Economic Studies has announced plans to honor U.S.
Representative John Lewis (DGA) with the 2011 Louis E. Martin Great American Award at its
annual dinner on May 3.
The dinner will be held at the
Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Washington, D.C.
Lewis will be recognized for
more than 50 years of active service to the cause of human rights,
civil liberties and the strengthening of the American community.
A member of the U.S. Congress
for nearly a quarter-century, he
first came to national attention as
one of the top figures in the civil
rights movement and a keynote
speaker of the historic 1963
March on Washington. He has
served in the House leadership
as senior chief deputy whip for
the Democratic Party since 1991
and has been a leading voice on
a wide range of domestic and international issues. Lewis was also
honored in the Most Influential
section of the ninth edition of
Who’s Who In Black Atlanta®.
“Congressman Lewis fits well into
the pantheon of leaders whom the
Joint Center has recognized over
the years with this high honor,”
says Roderick D. Gillum, chair of the
Joint’s Center’s Board of Governors. “Few people in history have
contributed more to helping
America live up to its cherished ideals, and the difference he has made
throughout his career is something
that all of us can see and feel in our
everyday lives.”
Named after the legendary journalist, presidential adviser and cofounder of the Joint Center, the
award honors individuals who exemplify Louis Martin’s passion for
justice, drive and the goal of integration of racial and ethnic divides.
Previous recipients of the award
include former presidents Jimmy
Carter and William J. Clinton,
Muhammad Ali, lawyer and civil
rights leader Vernon E. Jordan Jr.,
Reverend Jesse L. Jackson Sr., Congressman James E. Clyburn and the
late civil rights activist and foreword
writer for the inaugural edition of
Who’s Who In Black Washington,
D.C.® Dr. Dorothy I. Height.
One year after President
Barack Obama signed his historic, and still controversial Affordable Care Act into law, United
States Representative Bennie G.
Thompson (D-MS) reiterated his
continued support of the act that
was designed to provide quality
and affordable health care for all
Americans.
“The Affordable Care for
America Act has the same monumental significance that Medicare
and Medicaid has had for all
Americans,” Thompson said.
“The Affordable Care Act has
extended health coverage to more
than 32 million Americans by providing security for seniors, guaranteeing health insurance coverage for the uninsured, and making health care more affordable
for middle class families.
When President Barack Obama
signed the health reform law, the
Affordable Care Act, it was a
moment that was decades in the
making, the White House said.
Presidents from both parties had
attempted to reform the nation’s
health care system and as President Obama said, he “wasn’t the
first President to try and pass
health reform,” but he was determined “to be the last.”
“Passing the law wasn’t easy,”
said a White House spokesman,
“but we knew that we were working to end the worst insurance
company abuses and give Americans more freedom and control
over their health care choices.
And, the law that is one year old
today is already making the
health care system better for millions of Americans.
“Since the enactment of the
historic health care law, more than
3.5 million seniors who entered
the Medicare Part D ‘donut hole’
coverage gap in 2010 have received $250 rebate checks. Additionally, young adults can now
stay on their parents’ health plan
Cong. Bennie G. Thompson
until the age of 26 and children
under the age of 19 can no longer
be denied coverage by an insurance company for having a “preexisting condition”.
President Obama’s monumental
legislation, however, still faces intense opposition, and the emotional debate over the bill arguably gave rise to the “tea party”
movement. Thirty-eight states,
including Mississippi, are currently challenging aspects of the
law, and countless lawsuits
against it are filtering through the
court system, The Daily Tar Heel
said.
“One year later,“ he continued, “the Affordable Care Act
benefits small business by providing $40 billion in tax credits
for small businesses to help
them offer employee health insurance coverage – if they
choose to do so. These tax credits cover up to 35% of the cost
of the coverage – going up to
50% in 2014. More than four million small firms may be eligible
for these credits which went into
effect for the 2010 tax year.
“As the landmark legislation
moves toward full implementation,”
he continued, “our health care system will build on these accomplishments and Americans will continue
to see improvements in their health
care coverage.”
Former Pittsburgh Steeler Sanders giving back to elevate community
By Rebecca Nuttall
performed at the Benedum Center,
Special to the NNPA from the and Charlie Wilson who will appear
at the Monroeville Convention
New Pittsburgh Courier
Center on May 8. “I love music; I
This Spring, former Pittsburgh just love gospel concerts.
It’s not a moneymaker,” Sanders
Steeler and well-known philanthropist Chuck Sanders will open said. “I want to make a statement
Savoy, a new upscale restaurant that this is what we’re about; we’re
in the Strip District. In the time about supporting praise and worsince plans for the restaurant were ship. It is a great way to advertise.”
first set in motion, Sanders has Of his many contributions over the
kept busy organizing gospel con- last year, perhaps the most significerts and managing his many cant was a $100,000 donation to the
charitable contributions through Pittsburgh Initiative to Reduce
Chuck Sanders Charities, all while Crime. The anti-violence program
operating his company Urban run by city government confronts
Settlement Services LLC, which gang members and threatens them
has found itself among the top 15 with severe consequences if they
in the nation for Black enterprise. refuse to stop their violent behav“Success breeds success. This ior.
“I had talked with Chief Nate
didn’t happen overnight. There’s
a legacy that I’m trying to uphold. Harper and (District 9 Councilman
I’m very proud of the reputation Rev. Ricky) Burgess about what the
my father had and I’m happy to program was about. On the surface,
carry it on myself,” Sanders said. of course, it was about stopping the
“It’s very important to me to do murder rate, but once I looked into
the program I saw that there was
things right.”
In a creative marketing strat- actually a mechanism in place. I reegy, Sanders is organizing sev- ally wanted to focus on the social
eral concerts presented by Savoy service aspect of it once I saw there
including, CeCe Winans, who wasn’t any corporate money in
PILLAR OF SOCIETY—Chuck Sanders has become a staple of
Pittsburgh’s philanthropic community. (Photo by J.L. Martello)
place,” Sanders said. “Being realistic and understanding it takes
time, I feel good about where we
are. I am disappointed that more
private businesses haven’t donated money to the program, but
that’s not going to stop me from
contributing.”
Sanders’ other philanthropic involvement includes
contributions
to
the
Workforce Development Global Alliance, NAACP, Hill
House Association, Macedonia
Baptist Church, the Program to
Aid Citizen Enterprise, and a
scholarship fund for Slippery
Rock University.
“One of the goals of Chuck
Sanders Charities is not to reinvent the wheel. There’s a lot of
good programs out here that just
need help,” Sanders said. “I’m
just a true believer in giving. It was
how I was raised. It’s why you’re
blessed. It’s always worked. It’s
a great formula.”
Savoy Restaurant is predicted to
serve as another feather in the cap
of successful endeavors Sanders
has been involved in during the
past decade. The Urban Redevel-
opment Authority, who lent $310,000
to the project, recently described the
$2.1 million dollar investment as a
“first class restaurant with a fivestar chef and a New York-style
lounge.”
“When you think of the great moments of your life, a lot of them were
probably sitting around the table
with family and friends, enjoying a
meal. It’s a place where everyone
can go and be comfortable,” Sanders said. “It’s just a really pretty
place. I say that humbly. I’ve been
part of some really nice restaurants
in other places. We’re going to be
able to offer food and atmosphere
that Pittsburgh has never seen.”
In the future, Sanders will return
to his real estate roots with the development of condominiums and
housings on land in the Strip District. He also plans to continue his
work with Urban Settlement Services to help homeowners who are
at-risk of losing their homes because
of the current economic crisis.
“That crisis, while it might be
getting better, there are still
people losing their homes at
alarming rates,” Sanders said.
11
Congressman applauds anniversary of
President Obama’s Health Care Act
12
Opinion
Who is Libya’s Muammar Gaddafi?
By Antonio Cesar Oliveira
How can you call someone a
dictator a leader who overthrew
a corrupt monarchy, modernized
the country, won the highest
HDI in Africa, and applied a direct democracy system of government?
Gaddafi has always supported
revolutionary movements
around the world. When the
media - in the service of the U.S.
- praised the apartheid regime
South Africa, young Gaddafi in
Libya trained and sent them back
with the best weapons to win
freedom in South Africa.
Suddenly the press began a
daily attack on the leader
Muammar Gaddafi, to distill hatred, spreading lies, forging videos for what? What does it
prove? The crimes of the Libyan
government? Apparently this
journalistic line was caused by
popular uprisings in Algeria,
Tunisia, Yemen and Egypt.
In fact, it is more a question of
one more terrorist strategy of the
government of the United States
of America to recover influence
in the Arab world. In Egypt, the
government fell in U.S. confidence. Mubarak was merely an
agent of U.S. and Israel interests
in the region. With the fall of
Mubarak, Iranian ships began to
circulate in the vicinity of Israel,
causing unease and anger in the
diplomatic environments subservient to imperialism and Zionism.
After losing Egypt, the U.S.
government tries to divide and
weaken Libya, and this effort re-
ceives support from the supporters
of Bin Laden, and thousands of
Egyptian refugees that over the
years have taken refuge in eastern
Libya, fleeing the repression in
Egypt. After the Egyptians came
Algerians, Tunisians and Somalis,
followers of Al Qaeda. They enjoyed the hospitality of the Libyans
and then the next thing they
stabbed them in the back, triggering a revolt that has left tens of victims, through sabotage, terrorism
and destruction of public property.
But who is this Qaddafi that the
media suddenly started to attack in
all forms, and even in a most cowardly form? Gaddafi led a revolution
to overthrow King Idris, a puppet
of Italian and American interests in
the region. At the time, the largest
U.S. military base abroad was in
Libya, Qaddafi and his supporters
surrounded the base and gave 24
hours for all invading foreigners to
leave the country.
In power, Gaddafi did not like the
Arab monarchs, did not build palaces with gold, not buy luxury
yachts or collections of imported
cars. He devoted himself to rebuilding the country, ensuring better living conditions for the people. Today Qaddafi is not president or
prime minister of Libya, but the media wants him to resign a post which
does not exist.
The lies of the media cannot hide
the fact that Gaddafi has supported
the struggles of peoples for liberation in Nicaragua, Cuba, Angola,
Mozambique, South Africa and
many other countries, specifically
concretely helping the people who
fought for liberation. In practice,
Gaddafi has always been a benefac-
tor of mankind, but for the mercenary media, a benefactor is one
who creates wars in search of
profits for the arms industry or to
dominate the world, as were the
wars created by the U.S. in Korea,
Vietnam, Iraq, Palestine, Afghanistan, El Salvador, Nicaragua and
many other countries.
This utterly ridiculous gossip
of wealth and strange customs
have always been exploited by the
media, it was with Saddam
Hussein, Yasser Arafat, Fidel
Castro, Ahmadinejad, Hugo
Chavez and etc. It is enough to be
a serious ruler that does not seriously kneel down and cower in
fear before the United States and
is not intimidated to be demonized and disparaged by the mercenary media.
Another fact that the media cannot falsify is the HDI (Human Development Index) measured by
UN officials. These data indicate,
for example, that Libya had in 1970,
a situation a little worse than Brazil (HDI of 0.541, against 0.551 of
Brazil.) The Libyan index surpassed the Brazilian years later,
and in 2008 was well ahead: 0.810
(ranked 43rd), compared to 0.764
(ranking 59th). All three sub-indices that comprise the HDI is
higher in the African country: income, longevity and education.
In the HDI recast the difference
remains. Libya is ranked the 53rd
(0.755) and Brazil 73rd (.699). Libya
is the country with the highest
HDI in Africa. Therefore, the best
distribution of income, and health
and public education are free. And
almost 10% of Libyan students
receive scholarships to study in
foreign countries.
So what kind of dictatorship is
this? A dictatorship would never
allow this kind of policy for the
benefit of the people.
Gadhafi wrote the Green Book,
the Third Universal Theory, which
deals with controversial and real
issues. He complains, for example,
about the falsification of democracy through parliamentary assemblies. In most countries that consider themselves democratic, including the United States of
America, political parties are organized criminal gangs to loot the
people’s money in legislative assemblies, City Councils, House of
Representatives, etc.
This observation - and a book
in publication - certainly irritate
and anger them? The defenders
of parliamentary democracy? The
Green Book, written by Gaddafi,
says that workers should be involved and self-employed, and
that the land must be of those who
work it and those who live in the
house. And power shall be exercised by the people directly, without intermediaries, without politicians, through popular congresses and committees, where
the whole population decides the
fundamental issues of the district,
city and country. These words,
which everyone knows are true,
revolt and irritate those few who
benefit from the falsification of
democracy, especially the capitalist regimes.
But the press will keep on forging the news, boiling hatred by
spreading lies, because it is following orders from the U.S. government, very interested in the
large oil reserves of Libya.
Major newspapers and television
channels in the world use news
agencies from the United States, all
biased, misleading and deceptive.
The lies that the news agencies sell
buy public opinion, and most
people? By naivete or misinformation they behave like puppets, repeating whatever the U.S. government determines and imposes.
This is not the first nor will it be
the last, the Libyan Arab people face
powerful foreign powers. Again the
Libyan people will win, because
they have the leadership of
Muammar Qaddafi, an effective,
strong and honorable guide.
*In a rare interview with Western
journalists in January 1986, only
months before the U.S. terrorist
bombing of Libya, the Leader of the
Revolution spoke frankly about his
life and how he had been misunderstood by the West. Meeting the journalists in his tent he told of how he
admired former US Presidents
George Washington and Abraham
Lincoln and of other world leaders
he admires like “Egypt’s late Gamal
Abdul Nasser, India’s Mahatma
Gandhi, Sun Yat-Sen of China and
Italy’s Garibaldi and Mazzini.” (Really, I’m a Nice Guy, Kate Dourian,
Tripoli, Libya.)
He spoke of his favorite book, The
Outsider, by British author Colin
Wilson and others he likes such as
Uncle Tom’s Cabin and Roots.
Throughout this interview the profound thinking and innate humanity of Muammar Qadhafi shone
through. He also stated in another
interview: “I see the press as being
the messengers between me and the
world to tell them the truth.”
Revisiting Marks, Mississippi
By Marian Wright Edelman
Child Watch
During her research for the
Children’s Defense Fund’s recent report “Held Captive”: Child
Poverty in America, Pulitzer
Prize-winning journalist Julia
Cass visited the Mississippi
Delta, New Orleans and Baton
Rouge, Louisiana, and suburban
Long Island, New York to profile three different kinds of child
poverty.
Her trip to Quitman County,
Mississippi covered sadly familiar ground: Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr. visited the Black sharecropping community in Marks,
the seat of Quitman County, in
the summer of 1966 to preach at
the funeral of a friend, and
Marks was later chosen as the
starting point of the mule train
that left Mississippi for Washington, D.C. during the Poor
People’s Campaign.
Cass describes the community Dr. King saw: “Quitman was
one of the poorest counties in
America in 1960. Many Black
families lived in rented houses
or in shacks on the plantations
where they worked, subject to eviction at any time. The White side of
town had paved streets; the Black
side was unpaved. The Black
schools, housed in inferior, poorly
ventilated buildings and using outof-date books from the White
schools, held split sessions so the
children could help plant, weed, and
pick cotton at different times of year.
Many families could not pay the 25
cents it cost for a lunch at school.”
Dr. Ralph Abernathy accompanied Dr. King on that trip, and in his
autobiography he recalled how
deeply their visit with children at a
“fledgling” Head Start program affected Dr. King: “We looked around
the primitive schoolhouse and saw
them watching us, wide-eyed and
silent, having been told who we
were. They seemed bright and alert,
but something bothered me about
them. Then I realized what it was:
virtually all of them were under
weight, a condition that lent a special poignancy to their enormous
eyes.”
After watching the teacher divide a single apple into quarters for
four hungry children at lunchtime,
Dr. King uncharacteristically broke
down in tears and had to leave the
room. Later, he said to Dr.
Abernathy, “I can’t get those children out of my mind… We can’t
let that kind of poverty exist in this
country. I don’t think people really know that little school children are slowly starving in the
United States of America. I didn’t
know it.” Making this poverty visible to the whole nation became
the goal of the Poor People’s Campaign.
Senator Robert Kennedy had a
similar reaction when I accompanied him on a trip to Mississippi
the next year so he could see the
poverty and hunger there firsthand. His profound shock and
sadness motivated him to act too.
Cass says, “Senator
Kennedy’s visit put hunger on the
national agenda and sparked a
coalition of individuals and
groups that produced reports on
child hunger, malnutrition, illness,
and death and pointed out the
callousness of the federal school
lunch program that had no place
at its table for six million needy
children whose families could not
afford to pay…”
The spotlight on poverty,
which shone for about a decade
(following Dr. King and Senator
Kennedy’s visits to the Mississippi Delta), did succeed in expanding the availability of food
commodities, food stamps and free
school lunches and breakfasts.
This basic safety net is still helping long-time poor families, and
newly poor families losing jobs
and homes during the current recession, avoid the kind of utter
destitution, hunger, malnutrition,
and starvation that shocked Dr.
King, Senator Kennedy and the
nation.”
In the current debate over the
federal budget, some pieces of the
safety net are once again under
attack—but this is one of the
many places where our nation has
made progress in fulfilling Dr.
King’s dream.
But is the safety net enough?
“It is hard,” Cass says, “not to
think about how Dr. King would
respond to the place 42 years after the Poor People’s Campaign,
when its signature mule train departed from Marks. He would not
see a teacher having to quarter an
apple to feed hungry children…
since the vast majority meets the
poverty requirements [for free
meals at school]. This alone reveals
what has changed and what has
not… [T]he safety net set up in the
1960s and 1970s—food stamps,
school lunches and breakfasts,
Medicaid, housing programs, Head
Start—has ameliorated some of the
awful effects of poverty in Quitman
County.
But education and support systems to pull the next generation—the children—out of poverty are vastly insufficient and
spotty. The inadequacy of federal,
state, and local support for poor
children in Mississippi is underlined
by this startling fact: The afterschool tutoring and reading programs in Quitman and three other
Delta counties are financed by what
is essentially foreign aid, The Bernard van Leer Foundation of the
Netherlands”—which focuses on
children and families in what it refers to as oppressed societies.
Despite the critical immediate solutions to the pervasive child hunger Dr. King saw, the underlying crisis—pervasive child poverty—persists in the Mississippi Delta and
across the country. Many Americans depend on food stamps, and
13
14
YOUR MONEY
REALLY MATTERS
By Michael G. Shinn, CFP
Contributing Writer
“Spring Cleaning Your Financial Records”
By Michael G. Shinn, CFP
NNPA Syndicated Columnist
I recently spent several hours
disposing of some old financial
records. I was emotionally spent,
my back was hurting and my
cheap shredder had broken down.
How long do I have to keep cancelled checks and what about brokerage investment statements? I
thought to myself, “There has to
be a better way?” In the area of
record retention, more is not always better.
Why is it important to keep financial records? After some serious personal and professional
soul searching, I came up with
three basic reasons for retaining
personal financial records.
* To support financial payments,
claims and taxes. This would include items such as monthly bill
payments, warranty claims and
tax payments.
* To provide a historical record
such as monthly or annual expenditures for personal income,
household expenses, and investments.
* Nostalgia! Your parents said it
was a good idea and sometimes it
just feels good to rediscover how
much you paid for baby diapers
15 years ago.
Unfortunately, in today’s world
as we move into the supposedly
“paperless society” it seems that
we are being inundated with more
paper than ever before. What
do you really need to keep and
are there any guidelines?
Record Retention Guidelines1
There are no hard and fast
rules for maintaining personal
financial records. The following are offered as guidelines,
but you will have to make adjustments to fit your own situation. The most important issue is that you have a plan for
maintaining and properly disposing of your financial
records and that you and your
family do it consistently.
Tax Returns and supporting
documentation- The general
guideline is seven years. Under normal circumstances, most
audits occur within three years
of filing. In my own personal
situation, I maintain my tax
records in a permanent file. (nostalgia!)
Retirement Plan/IRA Statements- Most annual statements
will record the activity for the
year. Keep the annual statements in a permanent file and
discard the monthly or quarterly
statements upon receipt of each
annual statement.
Investment Accounts/Brokerage Statements- The big
question on investment accounts is the basis(tax cost) for
individual securities. Most annual statements will record the
activity for the year. You will
need to retain the tax cost information until you sell or transfer the security and file the related tax return.
Home Mortgage and Auto
Loan Payments- Keep the
monthly payment records until
you receive your annual payment statement.
Major Purchases and Home
Improvements- Major purchases such as a refrigerator,
video camera, etc. have a related product warranty period
that requires proof of purchase
if there is a problem. Additionally, major home improvements,
such as a new furnace, roof or
sprinkler system have warranties that require proof of purchase. Keep these records for
at least as long as the products
are in warranty
Bank Statements and Cancelled Checks- After you have
reconciled your account, keep
bank statements and non-tax related cancelled checks for one
tax year. Most banks, for a fee,
can provide copies of prior
statements and scanned images
of cancelled checks.
Credit Card statements and
receipts- For non tax related
purchases dispose of after one
tax year.
Paycheck Stubs- If your
paycheck stubs reconcile with
your W-2 forms, then you can
destroy old paycheck stubs
after one year.
Regular Monthly BillsThese would include non-tax
related utility, landscaping,
minor purchases, cash receipts, etc. Dispose of after
one year.
Computer Files- If you use
a computerized bookkeeping
system such as Quicken or
M i c r o s o f t M o n e y, b a c k u p
your data files at least monthly
to a CD ROM of floppy disk.
Record Disposal
After you have identified financial records for disposal,
just throwing them in the trash
is not a good idea. Anything
that is put in the garbage can
is now public property. Identity thieves are alive and well
in our society and may be just
waiting to dive into your trash
can to steal your sensitive information. My recommendation is to invest in a reliable
paper shredder and use it to
dispose of your sensitive personal information.
A reliable financial records
retention and disposal system
does not have to be elaborate
to be effective. Get started today to help insure that your
family will be on the road to financial success.
1
The information provided is
a guideline and should not be
considered professional or legal advice. Please consult a
tax professional or attorney for
specific legal advice.
Michael G. Shinn, CFP, Registered Representative of and securities and investment advisory
services offered through Financial Network Investment Corporation, member SIPC. Visit
www.shinnfinancial.com for more
information or to send your comments or questions to
shinnm@financialnetwork.com.
© Michael G. Shinn 2011
N.C. Dems reach out to HBCUs
By Herbert L. White
Special to the NNPA from The
Charlotte Post
North Carolina Democrats
are looking to strengthen ties
with students at Historically
Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
The College Democrats of
North Carolina will hold a
leadership conference for
HBCU students in late March
in Greensboro. The forum – a
first for the state Democratic
Party – will focus on engaging students in the political
process, political activity, and
on-campus leadership. North
Carolina has 11 HBCUs, sec-
ond only to Alabama.
“HBCU students have a
unique story and this HBCU
Leadership Conference is here
to ensure that we give them a
voice and a seat at the table,”
said N.C. A&T student D.J.
McKelvey, CDNC’s Black college coordinator.
U.S. Rep. Mel Watt (D-NC)
will be among the panelists and
speakers, which include N.C.
State Reps. Marcus Brandon
and Alma Adams, N.C. Sen.
Gladys Robinson and state
Democratic Party Chair David
Parker.
Panel topics include “HBCUs,
Politics and History,” “Black
Women and Politics,” “How to
Run for Public Office” and
“Campaign and Professional
Involvement.”
Party activists see the conference as an opportunity to
strengthen ties between Democrats and young voters whose
support helped Barack Obama
carry North Carolina in the
2008 presidential election.
“The College Democrats of
North Carolina recognize the
importance of engaging HBCU
students,” CDNC President
Tori Taylor said.
“We are taking the first step
in hopefully a long, consistent
line of communication between
HBCU students and the Democratic Party.”
Dr. Jesse McCarroll
City Tech’s McCarroll
gets Lifetime Award
The National Association for
the Study and Performance of African-American
Music
(NASPAAM) today has honored
Dr. Jesse McCarroll with its Lifetime Achievement Award at its
Eleventh National Biennial Conference in Houston, TX.
Dr. McCarroll, professor emeritus of music at New York City College of Technology (City Tech),
currently teaches part-time at the
college, where he has instructed
students since 1970.
In announcing the award,
NASPAAM president Ina R. Allen
said, “Jesse McCarroll has proven
himself to be an outstanding music educator, enriching the lives
of thousands upon thousands of
students in his long career. Moreover, he is a dedicated supporter
of the arts who has made significant contributions to the field of
music in general and Black Music
in particular.”
NASPAAM is a non-profit professional organization dedicated
to promoting, performing and preserving all facets of AfricanAmerican music through advocacy, education and performance.
Dr. McCarroll is NASPAAM’s
president-elect.
Dr. McCarroll’s commitment to
music education is evident from
the many organizations he has
served in various capacities. He
is a board member, treasurer and
membership coordinator of the
African American Jazz Caucus of
the International Association of
Jazz Education (IAJE). He is on the
board of advisors of the Living Encyclopedia of Global African Music, member of the advisory board
and secretary of the Gateway Music Festival (located at the
Eastman School of Music) and
treasurer and board member of the
Harlem Symphony Orchestra.
Dr. McCarroll is the national representative of the United States to
the Pan African Society of Musical
Arts Education and serves as senior advisor to the Pan African Society for Musical Arts Education. In
addition, he was chair for two consecutive terms of the Multicultural
Awareness Commission, New York
State School Music Association.
He has been honored by the Black
Music Caucus of New York and by
the National Black Music Caucus
(now the National Association for
the Study and Performance of African American Music) of Music Educators National Conference
(MENC), of which he is a member of
the board of directors and one of
two members at large.
Born on a farm in Dayton, Alabama,
Dr. McCarroll grew up in
Hattiesburg, Mississippi. He studied piano with Friedrich Wuhrer at
the Mannheim School of Music,
Mannheim, Germany, Eugene
Mancini and Marianne Matousek
Mastics at the Cleveland Institute
of Music, and Thomas Richner and
Martin Canin in New York City. He
received the bachelor of music degree, in piano, from the Cleveland
Institute of Music, and master of
arts and doctor of education degrees
from Teachers College, Columbia
University.
Dr. McCarroll, a former junior high
school music teacher in the New
York City Public School System is
co-author of Making Music Fun: A
complete collection of games,
puzzles, and activities for the elementary classroom (1981) and of
Elementary Music Teacher’s
Almanack: Timely Music Lessons
Plans For Every Day of the School
Year (1978). He is a contributing
author of Teaching Jazz: A Course
of Study (1996).
15
NYU Medical Center to study
how to treat diabetic foot ulcers
CUTTING THE TAPE — Taking part in the official opening of the School of Medicine Research Building
are, left to right: former University of California Regent S. Sue Johnson; Dean G. Richard Olds; Chancellor Timothy P. White; Steven E. Larson, M.D., Chair & CEO Riverside Medical Clinic.
Absence of diversity at medical school opening
homegrown education and trainBy Chris Levister
Special to the NNPA from the ing.
Blackvoicenews.com
“Keeping these medical providers in the community they grew up
It was an historic moment in in is what I think the UCR School
University of California of Medicine will be able to show
Riverside’s quest to establish the the rest of the country,” Schultz
Conspiciously absent in this photo are Black and other minority
leaders
first California public medical
school in more than 40 years.
More than 200 invited members
of the community and campus
officials gathered recently to celebrate the opening of the School
of Medicine Research Building.
The three-story 58,000 squarefoot structure houses four large
shared-lab rooms and faculty offices. The state-of-the- art energy
efficient building is designed to
meet the LEED Silver
sustainability standards of the
U.S. Green Building Council. “It’s
a monument to your collaboration, persistence and your passion,” Chancellor Timothy P.
White told the crowd gathered for
the dedication. “This is a powerful thing.” “Your presence here
is emblematic of the partnership
between the community and the
university to expand the physician workforce and, especially, to
improve health care access to our
underserved communities,” said
Dr. G. Richard Olds, founding
dean of the medical school. Herb
K. Schultz, regional director for
the U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services called the
medical school a beacon for
said. Schultz, Dean Olds, Chancellor White, and other speakers
thanked members of the greater
Inland Southern California region
from government, the philanthropic community, medical, nonprofit, and business communities
for support of the School of Medicine. But, some in the audience
questioned the leadership’s commitment to diversity and inclusiveness.
Noting the predominately White
audience and those participating
in the ribbon cutting, Sylvia N.
Martin-James, a long-time advocate for the university and ardent
supporter of the medical school
asked, “Is this the image we want
to show the rest of the country?”
“UCR is one of the most diverse
universities in the nation. Unfortunately, I don’t see that rich diversity and inclusiveness reflected
here today,” she said. MartinJames is a former president of the
UCR Alumni Association, vicepresident of the Citizens University Committee, and chairperson of
the Dr. Barnett Grier and Eleanor
Jean Grier Concerned Citizens Advisory Group of the University of
California, Riverside.
“Our concern is not directed at
the huge importance of this historic unveiling,” said MartinJames. “Chancellor White, Dr.
Olds and the many organizations
and individuals who have worked
hard to bring this medical school
to fruition are to be commended.
“However, I urge all involved going forward not to dismiss the efforts of organizations and individuals of color throughout the
Inland region who helped make
this day possible,” she said. “Let
us not lose sight of the
university’s less than stellar history of excluding African Americans and other ethnic minorities
from its medical education programs.” She said much of that history is sprinkled with some unfortunate responses to calls for
meaningful policy on diversity.
“The hope that will never die in
the African American community
is that there will be a continuing
improvement in what has not always been the visibility and substance desired.”
UCR Librarian Dr. Ruth M. Jackson called the opening of the medical research facility a monumental
accomplishment particularly in
New York University Medical
Center and Pluristem Therapeutics, Inc. recently announced the
formation of a partnership to
study the use of Pluristem’s proprietary placenta-derived PLX
cells for the treatment of Diabetic
Foot Ulcers (DFU).
Weiliam Chen, R.Ph. Ph.D., director of the Tissue Engineering
Research Laboratory, Department
of Surgery at NYU’s Helen L. and
Martin S. Kimmel Wound Healing
Center, will be the principal investigator of these pre-clinical studies, which are the first step towards
a future potential Phase II clinical
study for treatment of DFU.
An in-vitro and a series of animal models will be used to evaluate the new role PLX cells have in
healing DFU. Through a novel
academic-industrial collaborative
research paradigm, these trials,
with proposed support from the
National Institutes of Health, will
be used as a bridge towards the
potential treatment of patients
with diabetic foot ulcers.
“Diabetes affects over 170 million people worldwide and more
than 20 million Americans with the
prevalence expected to double by
2030. Chronic diabetic foot ulcers
are the leading cause of lower extremity amputations,” said Dr.
Chen. “No new therapy for diabetic chronic wounds has been
introduced into clinical use since
1998 and there is a critical unmet
need for innovative therapies able
to accelerate DFU healing, prevent
amputation and reduce associated
morbidity and mortality.”
The Center for Disease Control
reports that approximately 12% of
patients afflicted with diabetes
develop a foot ulcer. This translates into approximately 2.5 million
patients with foot ulcers in the U.S.
alone.
“This partnership with Pluristem
is important to developing an innovative advanced cellular
therapy,” added Dr. Chen. “Many
diabetic patients have advanced
atherosclerosis and have lower
extremity vascular insufficiencies.
Pluristem’s PLX cells can stimulate angiogenesis, which is highly
advantageous in treating diabetic
chronic wounds. Besides, the PLX
cells can directly address cellular
impairment in diabetic wounds
leading to tissue regeneration in
the wound beds.”
“We are very proud to be working with a world-renowned expert
such as Dr. Chen and partnering
with the NYU Medical Center in
using PLX cells for the potential
treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcers,” said Zami Aberman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
of Pluristem. “Our PLX-PAD cells
have been shown to be safe and
potentially effective and to improve the quality of life in patients
with Peripheral Artery Disease
(PAD), some of whom had suffered from ulcers. We are, therefore, excited about testing the PLX
cells’ effectiveness in treating
DFU.”
The Helen L. and Martin S.
K i m m e l Wo u n d H e a l i n g
Center’s mission is to eliminate
limb loss in patients with lower
extremity wounds and rapidly
treat pressure ulcers before
non-healing and complications
ensue. The Kimmel program is
unique in that it has members
of eight departments available
or involved in the care of each
wound patient personified by
the contributions from NYU
faculty in the departments of
Orthopedic Surgery, Medicine,
Emergency Medicine, Plastic
Surgery, Psychiatry, Dermatology, Anesthesia and Physiatry.
The Kimmel Center treats
the elderly, disabled and those
with diabetes who suffer with
wounds in a personal and caring environment that involves
patients and their families at
every level of care. Under the
Kimmel Centre’s innovative,
comprehensive, and compassionate care system, healing is
not just an outcome, it’s the expectation. This philosophy that
every wound can heal is predicated on 29 years of study on
the cellular basis of healing —
from the clinic to the operating
room to the research laboratories.
Nigerians deploying Internet
against fraud in upcoming poll
Special to the NNPA from the GlN mobile application from the
Enough is Enough Nigeria coaliWith more than 29 million us- tion, allows citizens to report vioers of the internet across Nigeria, lence/fraud, police behavior, elecelection officials and activists are tion staff conduct, etc, from their
turning to the web to monitor the respective polling units – and from
country’s upcoming national elec- their mobile phones. “ReVoDa
tions in early April. Nobel laure- turns eligible voters into informal
ate, Professor Wole Soyinka, and election observers, and allows
the chair of the national electoral monitoring organizations to draw
commission observed the launch conclusions about the legitimacy
of reclaimnaija.net – a website and accuracy of the elections,” acbased on the Ushahidi technology cording to the site http://
developed in Kenya to track ac- eienigeria.org Meanwhile, close
tivities at polling places nation- to a million people were discovwide. Social media has also been ered to be double-registered in the
called into action. ReVoDa, a new just-ended voter registration pe-
riod, according to the Independent
National Electoral Commission.
Those involved will be prosecuted, said INEC chair Attahiru
Jega, including some “high profile
Nigerians.” About 73.58 million
people registered during the exercise that ended on Feb. 5.
Meanwhile, eyewitnesses report
more than a dozen deaths and the
burning of campaign vehicles in the
state of Akwa Ibom stemming from
an apparent grudge match between
supporters of current president
Goodluck Jonathan and candidate
Akpan Udoedeghe of an opposition party.
Health
16
THE ADAMS REPORT
©
Fashion, Beauty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .& Stuff
By Audrey Adams
Consciously indulge
in feeling good
Audrey Adams
Does this sound like you?
The week’s not even over and
you’re already stressed about
your weekend chores: washing,
ironing, cooking and cleaning,
errands, family obligations and
preparing for the next week
(such as planning for what you
couldn’t get done over the
weekend). You know the drill.
So, it’s no surprise that you are
feeling a bit frazzled, and wishing for some, “Calgon take me
away” downtime. And don’t
feel guilty; it’s okay to take a
few precious minutes for weekend self indulgence.
Manicures, pedicures, facials,
getting your hair done, dinner
at a nice restaurant and the like
are great—and might help you
look and feel better—but they
are fleeting moments. So how
about thinking of another way
to indulge? You can still do the
regular stuff but, what I am
about to suggest is just an additional component, another
perspective; one that may actually have longer-lasting results in making you feel better
and “beautiful” in spite of your
stress.
First start by counting your
blessings, then assess how sig-
nificant your problems really are.
We all go through stressful times,
but regardless of what you are experiencing, you won’t have to look
far to find someone who has is less
fortunate. At least you are able to
consider spending a couple of
bucks on yourself to do something.
Look beyond yourself and do
something completely selfless for
someone else. Skip your manicure,
pedicure or facial, and instead give
it as a gift certificate to someone
who has never received one or
who is going through personal or
financial hard times.
There is also something else you
can give to others, and it’s free—a
smile, that’s right, smile with a love
that comes from your heart! It may
sound corny, but as the old song
goes, “What the world needs now
is love sweet love.” You are an integral part of the world environment, so contribute your love to it.
Then you will see how the joy of
giving to others will make you glow
from the inside out in a way that
no cosmetic treatment ever could.
Your true beauty will radiate from
that internal glow—a radiance that
no lipstick, moisturizer, hairstyle or
facial could ever duplicate. Basically, think of my suggestion of
feeling better and beautiful
through “selfless indulgence” as
in the old make-up rule: “Before you
apply foundation, your face (e.g.
your spirit), should be a clean canvas.” Think about it.
Visit my website,
TALKWITHAUDREY.com and
checkout my online radio show,
Talk! with Audrey for a series of
interviews that will inform, motivate and inspire you. Discover
your personal power and use it
to create the life you want. Tune
in to listen to a live broadcast of
TALK! with AUDREY . . . every
Tuesday from 6:00 to 7:00 P.M.
on Harlem’s WHCR 90.3 FM.
RADIO ON DEMAND: This
week’s
features
on
TALKWITHAUDREY.com
DR. ALICIA SALZER, author
of BACK TO LIFE, GETTING
PAST YOUR PAST WITH RESILIENCE, STRENGTH AND OPTIMISM. In our midst there are
people who remain positive and
passionate despite enormous
challenges while others just get
stuck. BACK TO LIFE is the secret playbook of those people
and a celebratory guide for overcoming life’s challenges.
Author GLORIA FELDT joins,
Audrey Adams to talk about her
book, NO EXCUSES: 9 Ways
Women Can Change How we
Think About Power. Feldt served
as president and CEO of Planned
Parenthood Federation of
America, the nation’s largest reproductive health and advocacy
organization, from 1996-2005.
Power Make-Over: Feldt explains
how women can change the way
they think about power, and
therefore achieve the life they
want. She coaches women
through a power make-over by
providing 9 ways that women can
achieve the career, personal, and
leadership goals. To listen anytime
visit
www.talkwithaudrey.com
Dr. Marvalene Hughes
Marvalene Hughes announces
transition from Dillard presidency
Dr. Marvalene Hughes, who
had led the institution since July
2005, has announced that she
would be transitioning from the
Presidency of Dillard University
over the next several months.
Dillard University Board of
Trustees chair Dr. Joyce Roche’
applauded President Hughes’
strong and purposeful leadership
during Hurricane Katrina and the
years following to rebuild the historic university and position it for
the future. “The Board will
quickly begin the process of
searching for a successor,”
Roche’ said. “During the transition, we will work closely with
President Hughes over the next
several months on important initiatives and opportunities.”
In a web communication to the
university community President
Hughes praised the collective
leadership of the faculty, students, staff, and alumni in advancing the university. “It has been
challenging and rewarding to
serve “Fair” Dillard over the past
six years. I am especially proud of
the role I played in leading the
rebuilding of Dillard following its
devastation at the hands of Hurricane Katrina. Because of your faith
in Dillard’s legacy, together, we have
not only preserved the heritage of
this stellar institution, but brought
it to new heights positioning Dillard
for greater achievements in the 21st
century,” said Hughes.
Hughes also thanked the students, alumni, faculty, staff and
many friends for their hard work in
helping to reestablish and restore
Dillard University in the immediate
years following Katrina.
“We have accomplished a number of successes in rebuilding and
revitalizing the university community and in setting a strategic course
for the future,” Hughes said. “I am
so very proud of what we have accomplished and the promising future of Dillard, and it is clear to me,
that now is the best time to begin
my transition from the position
of President,” she added. “I will
be working very closely with the
Board of Trustees on a transition
plan that will culminate in
Dillard’s appointment of a new
president.
Dr. John Cashin, legendary Black civic and political leader passes
By William Reed
Special to the NNPA
Dr. John L. Cashin, Jr. a Black
dentist and Alabama civil rights
leader who once ran for governor against George C. Wallace,
died in a Washington, D.C. hospital on March 22, 2011. He was
82. Cashin, a native of Huntsville, Alabama, received almost 15
percent of the statewide vote in
1970 as the gubernatorial nominee of the National Democratic
Party of Alabama, a Black political alternative to the state Democratic Party.
During the course of his tenure with the National Democratic
Party of Alabama (NDPA), Cashin
and his supporters gained power
at the local level and speeded up
the integration of county courthouses.
Cashin once ran for Mayor of
Huntsville, and between 1968
and 1974 the National Democratic
Party of Alabama (NDPA) facilitated the election of more than
100 Blacks to public office in Alabama. In 1974, the Alabama
Democratic Party surrendered to
what had been Cashin’s demands
and integrated its ballot. Cashin
was born on April 16, 1928 in
Huntsville, Alabama to Grace Brandon Cashin, a school principal, and
Dr. John Logan Cashin, Sr., a dentist. Cashin received his D.D.S.
degree from Meharry Medical
School in 1952. After his graduation, Cashin was drafted into the
U.S. Army where he was a first lieutenant and Chief of Dental Services
for soldiers near Fountainebleu,
France.
After serving two years in the
Army, Cashin returned to the U.S.
where he joined his father’s dental
practice. He also became active in
politics, particularly with the Alabama Democratic Conference
(ADC), a political league formed to
bring newly registered Blacks into
the Democratic ranks. Whites had
long dominated Alabama’s political system at every level, and when
President Lyndon Johnson signed
the Voting Rights Act into law in
1965, very few African Americans
were even registered to vote in the
state.
Through registration drives
were held successfully across the
South, White party leaders at the
state level were unwilling to incorporate Blacks into their organizations. As a result, many Blacks
who had been successful in getting registered still found them-
Dr. John L Cashin
selves excluded from the political
process. Frustrated with the continuing lack of African American
political power, Cashin contemplated a third-party that would al-
low Blacks to align with the Democratic Party in presidential elections while providing an alternative at the state and local levels.
He modeled his proposal on the
Mississippi Freedom Democratic
Party (MFDP), which had mounted
serious but unsuccessful challenges
to Mississippi’s White Democratic
Party in 1964 and 1965.
In 1967, Cashin helped found the
National Democratic Party of Alabama (NDPA) and was elected the
first party chairman. The NDPA
embraced the ideals of the “Black
power” movement and marked a
shift in the methods of civil rights
activists in Alabama. Instead of direct-action protests, such as
marches and sit-ins, which targeted
the elusive and intangible goal of
“equality,” the NDPA engaged in
Black power politics. He led a delegation to the Democratic National
Convention in 1968, challenging the
representative nature of the regular
Democratic Party delegation. Although it failed to make significant
headway in statewide campaigns,
the National Democratic Party of
Alabama (NDPA) did have some local success, and more importantly,
it provided many African Americans
with their first experiences in politics.
Cashin moved to Washington,
D.C. in 1997. He is survived by his
wife of 14 years, Louise; three children, two sons, Carroll and John,
and a daughter Sheryll.
17
Department of Ed. announces
community, citywide elections
Schools Chancellor Cathie
Black announces the launching of the 2011 Community and
Citywide Education Council
Elections.
Applications are posted
online for parents interested in
serving on 1 of 36 Councils: the
Community Education Councils, Citywide Council on High
Schools, Citywide Council on
English Language Learners,
Citywide Council on Special
Education or District 75 Council. For the first time, parents
can text “APPLY” to 877877 to
receive application information, in addition to filling out
and submitting their applications online or via mail (standard text messaging rates apply).
“I encourage parents who
want to have a role in influencing policy to run for Council
seats in this year’s elections,”
Chancellor Black said. “It is
important that the voices of
parents are heard as we continue a citywide conversation
about educational policy and
how we can best raise student
achievement.”
“We want our CEC membership to reflect a cross-section
of our school communities and
the diversity of our student
population,” said Ojeda Hall,
director of the Office for Family Information and Action.
“This is a great opportunity for
parents who have not been
engaged before in the education process to become informed and active.” Councils
in which applicants can seek
elections include:
The Community Education
Councils (CEC) The CECs
participate in shaping educational policies in their districts. Their responsibilities
include approving school zoning lines, holding hearings on
the capital plan, and providing
input on other important policy
issues. Each CEC has nine parent members selected by the
Presidents, Treasurers, and
Recording Secretaries of Parent Associations/ParentTeacher Associations in every
district.
The Citywide Council on
High Schools (CCHS) The
CCHS advises and comments
on educational or instructional
policy involving students attending public high schools.
There are ten elected members
on the Citywide Council on
High Schools, two from each
borough. Each member must be
the parent of a student attending public high school.
The Citywide Council on
English Language Learners
(CCELL) The CCELL advises
and comments on policy involving bilingual and English
as a Second Language (ESL)
programs. There are nine
elected members on the
Citywide Council on English
Language Learners. Each member must be the parent of a student receiving bilingual or ESL
services. The Citywide Council
on Special Education (CCSE)
The CCSE advises and comments on services for students
with disabilities. There are nine
elected members on the
Education. Each member must
be the parent of a student with
disabilities. The District 75
Citywide Council (D75 Council)
The Council advises and
comments on educational policies that affect students with
disabilities who attend D75
schools. There are nine elected
members on the D75 Council.
Each member must be the parent of a student enrolled in a
D75 program.
Community and Citywide
Council Members are elected to
a two-year term. The Community Education Councils,
Citywide Council on High
Schools, Citywide Council on
English Language Learners,
Education, and District 75
Council election schedule:
March 25, 2011 through April
9, 2011 - Parents interested in
running for a seat on a Council
can nominate themselves by
completing an application
online and by mail.
April 11, 2011 through
April 14, 2011 - District and
borough parent leaders, along
with the Department of Education, will host forums for parents to meet and ask questions
of Council candidates.
May 1, 2011 through May
7, 2011 - All NYC public school
parents can cast online advisory votes for Community and
Citywide Education Council
Candidates.
May 10, 2011 through
May 17, 2011 - Presidents,
Treasurers, and Recording Secretaries of Parent Associations
and Parent Teacher Associations will select all of the new
Community and Citywide Education Council Members for
2011-2013.
June 1, 2011 - Community
and Citywide Education Council
Members for 2011-2013 will be announced and the election results
will be published online.Election
materials are available in nine languages, and translation services
will be offered at candidate forums
and Council meetings throughout
the school year.
For more information on
Community and Citywide
Education Councils, visit
www.powertotheparents.org,
contact OFIA at 212-374-2323,
or call 311. For hard copies of
the applications, call 212-3744118, or visit OFIA at 49 Chambers Street – Room 503, New
York, NY 10007. ### Contact:
Natalie Ravitz / Deidrea Miller
(212) 374-5141
NYC Department of Education Official Charlene Mitchell, NYC Deputy Mayor Dennis Walcott, NYC
Chair of the Commission on Human Rights Patricia Gatling, Conference Convener Dr. Eda Hastick, Dean
of the School of Liberal Arts and Education Dr. Carlyle Van Thompson, Male Development & Empowerment Center Director Larry Martin, dean Richard Jones, School of Science, Health & Technology Dean
Mohsin Patwary.
Evers annual confab seeks to foster
resiliency in young men of color
On Friday March 18, 2011,
Medgar Evers College, in conjunction with the New York City
Department of Education STH
Unit, held its Eighth Annual National Professional Social Work
Month Conference.
Designed to coincide with National Professional Social Work
Month, this year’s highly anticipated symposium was attended
by social workers, guidance counselors, public sector administrators, elected officials and students from community schools.
Not coincidentally, many of the
students were male as this year’s
theme was “Fostering Resiliency
in Young Men of Color”.
In his opening remarks, conference chair and Medgar Evers College President Dr. William L. Pollard achieved common ground
with the young men in a dialogue
that began with the recent NCAA
March Madness college basketball seeding and involved into a
powerful message of his address
about the significance of choice.
He referred to an excerpt from
Gordon Parks’ autobiography, “A
Choice of Weapons”, in which
the writer, at a young age, had to
choose between a life of crime and
a life of scholarship.
Dr. Pollard implored the young
men to take the same route as
Parks and pick that of scholarship
and hard work over the trappings
of urban life. He spoke of his upbringing in rural North Carolina
in the midst of the civil rights
movement and of the sacrifices
and choices that he and his family had to make in order to survive and prosper. Pollard told the
youth of the necessity of seeing the
bigger picture and warned the young
men that they wouldn’t just be competing against each other in years to
come; they would be “competing
against the world” in the new global
economy. In his closing words to his
captive young audience, Pollard cautioned the young men of a “new slavery and segregation based on intelligence.”
New York City Deputy Mayor Dennis Walcott followed Dr. Pollard.
Keeping in standing with the two previous speakers, Walcott spoke about
the importance of respect and challenging one’s self. “Always look for
something that will challenge you to
become a better person,” Walcott told
the young men in attendance. “Life
is about respect, different needs and
Young male student listen attentively at Social Work Conference themed “Fostering Resiliency in Young
Men of Color”.
(Photos by Tony Akeem)
Education
18
AUDREY'S
SOCIETY
WHIRL
31st Annual Benefit Gala
Self-sufficiency emphasized at elaborate
One Hundred Black Men, Inc. event
By Audrey J. Bernard
Lifestyles & Society Editor
One of the most highly anticipated events during Black History
Month is the annual One Hundred Black Men, Inc.-New York
celebration. Always top heavy
with civic and corporate heads,
the event brings to an elaborate
close the parade of Black pride.
The 31st annual benefit gala of
One Hundred Black Men, Inc. of
New York City (OHBM-NY)
which took place Thursday, February 24, 2011 at the New York
Hilton Hotel in New York City, attracted some 600 nattily dressed
guests and raised $700,000 to benefit the organization’s many great
causes that reflect positively on
the Black community.
Themed “Investing in Ourselves – Making our Own Tomorrow,” the illuminating black tie
event kicked off with a regal
sponsor’s reception featuring the
beautiful string music of Josunjari
String Quartet as the high and
mighty indulged in delectable predinner culinary treats followed by
the esteemed awards program and
dinner with live music and dancing by Maya Azucena.
Before the boundless buffet
dinner, gala committee member
Phillip Banks, Jr., president,
OHBM-NY, and gala chair Hilton
O. Smith, senior vice president,
Turner Construction Company,
welcomed guests to the inspirational event impressively attended by young people.
“Welcome to the One Hundred
Black Men of New York City 31st
Annual Benefit Gala. Tonight’s
theme, 'Investing in Ourselves –
Making Our Own Tomorrow,' celebrates the importance of selfsufficiency. Tonight we honor
four individuals who strive to
bring communities closer to this
goal.”
During the esteemed award
presentation, Banks and Smith
were assisted by students from
The Eagle Academy for Young
Men in the Bronx, an establishment created by OHBM-NY with
a focus on academic excellence,
leadership and character development.
Former NYS First Lady Matilda
Raffa Cuomo, founder and chairperson, Mentoring USA, was presented the lifetime achievement
award for service in mentoring;
and Scarlet Pressley-Brown, director of external affairs & community relations at Delta Air Lines
and vice president of the Delta Air
Lines Foundation, was presented
with the champion of diversity
Phillip Banks, Jr., Bruce Simms, Honoree Myron Williams, Hilton
O. Smith
Roberto Huie, Honoree Matilda
Cuomo
Phillip Banks, Jr., Honoree Glenn Rice, German
Darnley, Hilton O. Smith
Brooklyn District Leader Walter NYC Schools Chancellor Cathy
T. Mosely III, Gov. Mario Cuomo Black, Hilton O. Smith
Co-emcees Brenda Blackmon, Mike Woods
award for her stellar leadership and
development and restoration initiatives which revitalize communities
Glenn Rice, president, east region, UPS, was presented with the
corporate citizen award. In addition to being responsible for all
aspects of the day-to-day operations of UPS’s East Region, he
serves on a variety of boards
which benefit people aspiring to
improve their lives. Myron Williams, vice president, business development, UPS, and a member of
the One Hundred Black Men, was
named “mentor of the year.”
Fox 5’s Mike Woods and My9
WWOR-TV’s 10 Brenda Blackmon
Honoree Scarlet Pressley-Brown (center) with husband and
daughter
served as co-emcees. Rev. A.R.
Bernard, Sr., founder, senior pastor and CEO, Christian Cultural
Center, Brooklyn, New York, delivered the invocation. In his closing remarks, Banks thanked the
gala committee: David Brand (cochair), Will Brown, Mark
Getachew, Jawanza Keita, Richard Levychin, Edward Odom,
Mark Smith, Myron Williams and
Greg Worrell.
Banks also thanked the amazing generosity of this year’s sponsors: News Corporation, Walmart
(diamond); Empire BlueCross
BlueShield (platinum); Pepsico,
UPS (gold); Anheuser-Busch
Hon. David N. Dinkins, David Brand, Ambassador
Andrew Young
Mayor Michael Bloomberg,
Patrick Ovide
Ty Stone-Adams, Ed Goldberg
Emcee Mike Woods, Michael Jack, Mary Jack, Hon. David N. Dinkins
InBev, Bloomberg, Turner Con- FOX 5 TV.
OHBM-NY was founded in
struction (silver); The City University of New York, Consolidated 1963 when a group of successEdison, Inc., Entergy Corporation, ful African-American men came
New York Life Insurance Com- together to pool their resources
pany, Scholastic Corporation to positively impact the Black
(bronze); and Barclays Capital, community. The 501(c)(3) orgaCoca-Cola Company, Continuum nization focuses on mentoring,
Health Partners, Delta Air Lines, education, health and wellness,
Inc., Democrats for Education Re- and economic development. The
form Foundation, ExxonMobil, organization has a long and sucMacy’s East, Morgan Stanley, cessful history working with its
Mount Sinai Medical Center, NBC corporate and community partUniversal Cable, Siebert Brandford ners to make significant differShank & Co., LLC, State Farm, ences in the lives of the commuUnited Federation of Teachers (pa- nities it serves.
trons). Guests departed with (Photos by Margot Jordan and
lovely gift bags courtesy WNYW/ Tyrone Rasheed)
ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast – A
spokesman for Ivory Coast’s
leader clinging to power called for
a cease-fire as rebel forces backing the internationally recognized winner of the disputed election advanced toward the capital
from two different directions
Wednesday.
If the fighters take the capital
of Yamoussoukro, it would be a
largely symbolic trophy as the
real seat of power is in the biggest city, Abidjan. But if
Yamoussoukro falls, it would
open up main highway to the
commercial capital, only 143 miles
away.
Supporters of internationally
recognized leader Alassane
Ouattara hope that would prompt
incumbent Laurent Gbagbo to finally accept an offer of exile four
months after the disputed presidential election unleashed political chaos in this West African
nation. At least 462 people have
been killed and up to 1 million
have fled their homes since the
vote.
Capt. Leon Alla, a defense
spokesman for Ouattara, said
pro-Ouattara forces had taken
control of two towns just west of
the capital — Bouafle and Sinfra.
Another front, coming down
from the north, was also advancing toward the capital, said
Seydou Ouattara, a military
spokesman for the rebel force
who is not related to the
country’s leader. He said the
town of Tiebissou, the last city
before Yamoussoukro, had fallen
Wednesday morning.
A priest in Tiebissou, who
spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals, said
Gbagbo’s forces tried to fight off
the rebels for 3 1/2 hours before
fleeing. He said calm had returned to Tiebissou, which is 21
miles (35 kilometers) from the
capital. He did not know if anyone was killed or wounded in the
fighting.
A third front from the east of
the country was advancing
GBAGBO’S TROOPS — Youth supporting sitting president Laurent Gbagbo receive military style training in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, Wednesday, March 23, 2011. The Ivorian leader refusing to cede power has warned international journalists that they would be considered accomplices to terrorists if they don’t do a more balanced job of reporting the country’s political crisis. In a statement read on state television, Ahoua
Don Mello, a spokesman for sitting president Laurent Gbagbo, accused journalists of fabricating last week’s shelling of civilians in an
Abidjan neighborhood.…
south, with combat taking place in listed in Gbagbo’s army last week Ivory Coast Wednesday to en- been almost daily, with mortars
Akoupe on Wednesday. The rebels would be called up for service courage a peaceful reconciliation and machine guns being used
secured
Bondoukou
and starting Wednesday morning.
against civilians. In the past sevto the conflict.
Abengourou along the Ghana borAsked about the cease-fire ofOver the past few days, rebels eral weeks, fighters loyal to
der on Tuesday, and seemed poised fer, a Ouattara ally said it was nec- fighting to install Ouattara have Ouattara have taken effective
to strike directly at Gbagbo on this essary to resort to legitimate advanced east toward the center control of several northern disfront as Akoupe is only 70 miles force.
of the country. On Tuesday they tricts in the city.
(113 kilometers) from the country’s
“President Alassane Ouattara claimed to have seized the major
At least one body lay bloated in
biggest city of Abidjan.
was patient and gave Mr. Laurent cities of Duekoue and Daloa.
the sun in the downtown Plateau
As the rebels advanced from three Gbagbo every possibility to leave
Highways from Daloa lead business district Wednesday morndirections, a Gbagbo spokesman power peacefully. He refused ev- south to the port of San Pedro, ing, witnesses said. Armed youth
called for a cease-fire and media- ery offer made to him,” Ivory which could be used to resupply who guard nightly barricades
tion. Spokesman Don Mello told Coast’s ambassador to France, Ali the rebels who do not currently around town have started to keep
Radio France Internationale the Coulibaly, said on French radio have access to the sea, and east them running during the day.
army has adopted a strategy of tac- France Inter Wednesday.
“These boys are armed. They
to Yamoussoukro.
tical withdrawal. He warned, howA statement put out by
But many believe a bloody final aren’t the police. They stop everyever, that Gbagbo’s forces could Ouattara’s RHDP party late Tues- battle for the presidency will take one and demand money,” said a taxi
use their “legitimate right of de- day said “all peaceful avenues to place in the commercial capital of driver who asked not to be identifense.”
convince Laurent Gbagbo of his Abidjan, which is split into pro- fied for fear of reprisals. “This mornA statement read on state televi- defeat have been exhausted.”
Gbagbo and pro-Ouattara neigh- ing I saw them pull a man out of his
sion Tuesday night declared that
The Vatican announced that it borhoods.
car and beat him with the butts of
the thousands of youth who en- was sending a representative to
Fighting in these areas has their guns.”
Brooklyn boro president announces annual Central Brooklyn Jazz Festival
Brooklyn Borough President
Marty Markowitz joined the Central Brooklyn Jazz Consortium for
a press conference at Brooklyn
Borough Hall announcing the
12th Annual Central Brooklyn
Jazz Festival to run April 1
through April 30.
This year’s Festival, entitled It’s
All Jazz, will present concerts
and events for all ages, as well as
feature jazz bands celebrating
Brooklyn’s contributions to jazz.
National Endowment for the Arts
recipient Candido Camero and
other jazz artists performing in
NYC’s longest continuous running festival dedicated to Jazz
were present at the media
gathering. Thirty events will take
place during festival 2011 on 23
days of programming with nearly
100 artists performing throughout the borough. For festival information
go
to
www.cbjcjazz.org or call
718.773.2252.
Brooklyn Borough President
Markowitz stated, “Next month,
New York City’s ‘jazz central’ will
be the Central Brooklyn Jazz Festival . . . and you’ll be able to hear
‘blue notes’ practically any day of
the week in Brooklyn. You might
say the ‘vanguard’ of jazz is happening right here in our borough.
After all, who needs Manhattan
when Brooklyn is ‘birdland’? In the
month of April, whether you want
bebop or fusion, straight-ahead or
Latin soul and every kind of jazz in
between—you must take the ‘A’
train to Brooklyn!”
Brooklyn jazz has a rich past and
its legacy is celebrated every April,
nationally known as Jazz Appreciation Month.
Events will take place in clubs,
community organizations, colleges;
faith based and cultural institutions
throughout Brooklyn.
Brooklynites, jazz luminaries
such as Max Roach, Eubie
Blake, Betty Carter as well as less
heralded artists Cal Massey, Betty
Roche, Gigi Gryce and C. Scoby
Stroman contributions are remembered by way of conferences and
performances.
Other scheduled events includes: return of Panamanian saxophone great Carlos Garnett at
Boys And
Girls
High
School; National Endowment for
Marty Markowitz
the Arts Jazz Master, Cuban per- youth jazz presentations; Jazz: The
cussionist Candido Camero’s 90th Women’s View Point; BAMcafe
birthday celebration with the presents The New Cookers in conArturo O’Farrill Quintet at Brook- cert; photo exhibits; and Brooklyn Public Library’s Dweck lyn Jazz Hall of Fame induction
Center; remembering Brooklyn’s ceremony at Brooklyn Historical
jazz shrine, The East, at Brooklyn Society just to name some.
The forty membership not for
College with Charles Tolliver;
profit organization CBJC gratefully
acknowledges the support of the
Brooklyn
Tourism
and
Visitors Center, an initiative of Borough President Marty Markowitz;
Foodtown of Bedford Stuyvesant
located in Bedford Stuyvesant
Restoration Plaza for assisting with
this media conference.
Central Brooklyn Jazz Consortium
acknowledges our festival partners. Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation, Brooklyn Academy of Music/BAMcafe Live,
Brooklyn Public Library’s Dr.
Stevan Dweck Center for Contemporary Culture, and H. Wiley
Hitchcock Institute for Studies in
American Music at Brooklyn College are expected to participate. We
thank Jazz Appreciation Month Initiatives at Smithsonian Institution
for program support, Brooklyn
Tourism and Visitors Center, and
Long Life Information & Referral
Network for assistance with the 12th
Annual Central Brooklyn Jazz Festival .
Bob Myers
Communications Director-CBJC
info@cbjcjazz.org
718.467.1527
19
Official: Rebels close in on Ivory Coast capital
20
21
22
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION
Apollo Theater host Education Program;
Schomburg Center has a photo finish
By Audrey J. Bernard
In celebration of Women’s
History Month, the Apollo
Theater Education Program
and New York Women in Film
& Television jointly hosted a
career panel, Women in Film:
Breaking Barriers, Monday,
March 28, 2011 at The Apollo
film producer Frida Torresblanco – who provided a reality
check on life in the reel lane.
The career panel was moderated by Michaela angela Davis
and explored the challenges
that women face working behind
the scenes in the film industry
and how they have broken those
barriers over the years. The
panelists offered career advice
Shirley Taylor, director of education at the Apollo.
“With this particular panel,
we wanted to focus specifically on the vast contributions
made by generations of dynamic women working behind
the scenes in film in order to
inspire and encourage a new
generation of women interested in entering this industry.
Take Issue with Our Images at
the Essence Music Festival’s
Empowerment Seminar Series,
which focused on young
women and image. As a cultural critic, Davis has appeared
on several television networks
- CNN, MSNBC, NBC, FOX and
PBS, among others. She is a
reoccurring expert on pop-culture TV specials on BBC, MTV,
company, Cortés Films.
Eileen Newman (managing director, the Tribeca Film Institute).
Newman oversees operations
and development activities at
TFI. Previously, she served as
deputy director of Renew Media
and was executive director of
Film/Video Arts for more than a
decade. Newman has been executive director of the National
Lisa Cortes
Eileen Newman
Dana Offenbach
Frida Torresblanco
Michaela angela Davis
Theater, which places a high
bounty on education and
where many of its key positions are held by women starting with the president and CEO
of The Apollo Foundation
Jonelle Procope.
A star-studded panel consisted of four dynamic women
in the movie business — film
producer Lisa Cortés, managing director of Tribeca Film Institute Eileen Newman, film
producer Dana Offenbach and
and shared personal accounts
of their own unique experiences
working in this highly creative
and highly competitive field.
“We are delighted to be
p a r t n e r i n g w i t h N e w Yo r k
Women in Film & Television on
this panel. With every career
panel that we do, the goal is to
engage students and young
professionals and show them
that there are a variety of career
options within the arts and entertainment industries,” said
We want them to fully explore
the possibilities and be aware
of the opportunities that are
available to them,” Taylor concluded.
Women in Film: Breaking
the Barriers was a free event
and was open to the public.
The successful exchange of
information was followed by an
informative Q&A session in
which attendees asked their
specific questions directed to
panelists.
Harlem’s own Moikgantsi
Kgama, founder and executive
director, ImageNation, preceded the panel discussion
with a lively session regarding
Promoting Your Independent
Film which explored the A-BC’s of an impactful, cost-effective promotional campaign.
Michaela angela Davis, creative consultant, cultural critic,
speaker and writer – Davis has
crafted a career dedicated to
creating and celebrating African American culture through
media. In an era of reinvention,
Michaela’s innovative and creative thinking has allowed her
to evolve and elevate brands
to embrace the influential global urban market. In 2006 and
2007, Davis co-produced and
served as a panelist on Who
You Calling a Ho? and Sisters
VH1 and BET. Davis was recruited to the prestigious APB
Speakers Bureau; she has spoken on many campuses, such
a s Ya l e , B r o w n , H o w a r d ,
Spellman, and local community
institutions. In 2008, Ms.
Davis became part of an elite
brain trust challenged with reimaging the largest media
brand for African Americans,
BET Network. BET has joined
the top 20 cable networks and
has enjoyed its best ratings for
two consecutive years. Davis
serves as secretary of the
board of ImageNation and advisor to The Mott Bridges
Academy. Davis also hosts a
monthly career mentoring series for young women of color,
Salon du Shine.
Lisa Cortés (producer).
Cortés is a veteran of both the
film and music industries. Most
recently she was executive
producer for the film Precious,
which garnered both critical
acclaim and worldwide recognition in a number of award
categories. In 2010, the film
won two Oscars, five Independent Spirit Awards and five
NAACP Awards. Additional
producer credits include The
Woodsman, Shadowboxer and
Tennessee. In late 2009, Cortés
started her own production
Board of Review, senior director
of programming at IFP and director of library services for the
New York City public schools.
Dana Offenbach (independent
film producer). Offenbach is a
partner in the newly- formed independent film production company CinemaStreet, LLC. She has
produced several independent
features, hundreds of television
and radio commercials, over 50
career achievement videos for
live awards shows, documentaries and short films. Her latest
production, a Qasim Basir film
titled Mooz-lum starring Evan
Ross, Nia Long, Danny Glover &
Roger Guenveur Smith debuted
at the UrbanWorld Film Festival
and at the Chicago International
Film Festival in 2010 and has
opened in several cities nationwide.
Frida Torresblanco (producer). Torresblanco has produced numerous films, among
them Pan’s Labyrinth, which won
three Oscars. Her latest distributed project, Rudo y Cursi, premiered at the 2009 Sundance Film
Festival and became the third
highest grossing film in Mexican
history. She recently launched a
new film production company,
Braven Films, partnering with
investorsEric Laufer and
Giovanna Randall.
Ascending the steps of the original 135th Street entrance of the
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture — with their eyes
focused on Harlem – are ace photographers Lisa DuBois, June
Truesdale, Isseu Diouf, Jewel Shears and Juanita M. Prince Cole.
Senator William “Bill” Perkins poses with the Lens Women. (Photo
by Adjua Mantebea/A Delight Production)
Earlier this month, in honor of Women’s History Month and Black Press Month, New
York State Senator William “Bill” Perkins acknowledged the distinguished work of
New York City African American women who continuously document Black urban life,
culture and current events through photography. In a class all by themselves are ace
photographers Lisa DuBois, June Truesdale, Isseu Diouf, Jewel Shears and Juanita
M. Prince Cole.
The Black culture chroniclers are among the 23 members of The New Harlem Renaissance Photographers collective whose works are in the “Harlem Views, Diasporan Vis i o n s ” g r o u p p h o t o g r a p h y e x h i b i t i o n a t t h e S c h o m b u rg .
( D r. D e b o r a h Wi l l i s ,
Schomburg photo archivist Mary Yearwood and Schomburg chief Howard Dodson are
curators.)
On March 8, 2011 The New York State Senate unanimously adopted a resolution
introduced by Senator Perkins, “Harlem Views’” major funder, praising women and honoring International Women’s History Day on its 100th anniversary. In February, Senator Perkins also successfully introduced a resolution honoring the Schomburg on its
85th anniversary and Dodson for his 26 years tenure.
23
24 YOU GO, GIRL!
Old school vocalist Cheryl Pepsii Riley’s
longevity is lucid in Let Me Be Me CD
Edited by Audrey J. Bernard
When Cheryl Pepsii Riley
released “Thanks for My
Child” in the late ‘80’s she solidified her voice in our hearts
forever. The passion behind
the lyrics touched such a chord
that the song became not only
a number one single, but an
anthem for women that still vibrates within our spirits to this
day. We recognized the Brooklyn, New York native as an angelic songbird with staying
power. The singer, songwriter
and producer proved us correct.
Today Riley’s voice is still
very much a part of our musical landscape. Her melodious
magic is evidenced in Tyler
Perry’s many blockbuster plays
and movie soundtracks, her independent CD releases. The
music business may have
changed, but she has evolved
with it!
Riley has maintained and
grown her fan base over the
years by broadening her realm
and acting in numerous popular gospel plays. Audiences
m a y r e c a l l h e r f i r s t p l a y,
“Momma Don’t,” co-starring
R e v. R a n c e A l l e n , Ly n e t t e
Hawkins and the Clark Sisters.
To date, she has over 13 national touring plays to her
credit, including several with
the award-winning king of the
genre, Tyler Perry.
She has also provided vocals on several of Perry’s film
soundtracks. In fact, it was her
voice that rocked the house as
Tariji P. Henson lip-synced her
dramatic club scenes in Perry’s
film “I Can Do Bad All By Myself.”
And in the recent DVD release of Perry’s “Madea’s Big
Happy Family” she takes the
stage as Joyce endearing audiences with her multi-octave
range. Riley’s history with
Perry spans multiple DVD stage
play releases including “Why
Did I Get Married,” “Madea
Goes to Jail,” and “Madea’s
Class Reunion.”
Riley’s latest CD Let Me Be
Me is a seductive serving of
originals that ride the terrain of
jazzy funk, bluesy rock and
gospel tinged R&B. Soon to be
re-released, the project is infused with heart-felt honesty
and tenderness as Cheryl
delves deep into the space of
vulnerable yet strong feminine
compassion.
Sultry, smooth and sensual,
the offering is a grown
woman’s musical journey.
From the melodious opener,
“Thanks,” to the searing “No,
But I Want To So Bad,” to the
bold and funk laded, “Damn!,”
to the revealing “Miss U,” and
the inspirational “Call On Him,”
the R&B jams while continuing
to bare a soul that resonates
layers of raw sensitivity.
When not on the road touring with Perry, Riley tours and
performs the nightclub circuit.
Most recently she appeared at
The Blue Note in New York City
with independent jazz guitarist
Abdul Zuhri. Washington, DC
fans eagerly await her upcoming appearance at Blues Alley
on June 30 with her band, Hot
Chocolate.
With all that she has going
on, Riley makes time to give
back and the woman who sang
“Thanks for My Child” also
busies herself with “The Young
Women’s Leadership School,” a
school program providing
mentorship for young women.
the songs including the hit
single “Gimme.”
Caught in the politics of the
record industry, Riley changed
faces and reunited with her
first love — acting. Her first
play, “Momma Don’t,” co-starring Rev. Rance Allen, Lynette
Hawkins, and The Clark Sisters, proved that she was not
to be pigeon-holed as a onedimensional artist.
Amazingly to date, Riley has
starred in 11 national touring
plays, all the while gaining a
broader and more diverse au-
include such industry notables as
Patti Labelle, Terry Lewis, and
Mary J. Blige to name a few.
Those missing her heartfelt and
soulful voice will be happy to
know that she has just finished
recording a project that is sure to
be a must-have on everyone’s CD
list.
This time out she is definitely
going to make plain to all in the
know, that she is an all-around artist without limits. This project
proves to be one where everyone
will get to hear what they want.
Without going into detail about
“I want to bring like experiences to each project, whatever it is, to reach out and affect people, heal
people, and provide some kind of reality check. Times may change, but if you go with what’s real, using
the gifts that God has blessed you with, it will stand the test of time. That’s what I want... Longevity!”
– Cheryl Pepsii Riley
In a business of here todays dience base as a singer and an the content of this new project,
and gone tomorrows, few art- actress. She has toured the she will simply say that it will be a
ists have maintained the consis- country on theater stages with record with a little funk, a little jazz,
tency of Cheryl Pepsii Riley. the likes of Kirk Franklin, a little rock, a little blues, a little
Riley, who is affectionately Glenn Jones, David Peaston, gospel, a little love... all filled to
called Pepsii by her friends, ex- Beverly Todd, Adele Givens, capacity with a lot of soul. “The
ploded onto the music scene in David Hollister, Clifton Powell most honest recording of my ca1988 with her debut album, Me, and Shemar Moore, with whom reer,” she states. And to anyone
Myself, and I. This album, un- she starred in the romantic who listens, the sincerity of this
like most being released during c o m e d y “ T h e F a b r i c o f A project is indeed, quite evident.
When she’s not touring the
that time, featured songs filled Man.”
Riley has taken her acting country with her own music or
with positive and encouraging
even further and made her film any number of theatrical producmessages.
From that album, she’s re- debut in 1999 in the celebrated tions, the vocalist can be found
c o r d e d h e r # 1 s m a s h h i t independent film and winner of recording background vocals for
“Thanks For My Child.” This a 1999 urban film festival artists like Angie Stone, Jennifer
s o n g , c o n s i d e r e d b y m a n y award, “Colorz of Rage.” This Lopez, Glenn Jones, David
women an anthem of hope and show-stopping performer was Hollister, Celine Dion, Matchbox
courage, catapulted this Brook- featured in the stage play, Twenty, or perhaps you may
lyn New York native to national “Madea’s Class Reunion,” writ- find her on tour with an array
and international acclaim. Her ten by and co-starring Tyler of artists such as Missy Elliot,
Eve, Tweet, Patti Austin, Jesfollow-up project, Chapter pro- Perry.
Currently, you can see and hear sica Simpson, Chico DeBarge
duced the single “How Can You
Hurt The One You Love,” which her artistry in the 2005 Block- and Mary J. Blige.
And, if you’re lucky, you
continued in her vein of social buster #1 hit movie and
consciousness by addressing soundtrack, “Diary of A Mad may catch her just dropping in
the issue of domestic violence. Black Woman,” as well as onstage to sing at some of the most celIn 1992 Riley changed record with the stage play “Madea Goes ebrated clubs in New York City.
companies and released the al- To Jail,” also written, produced, One of her favorite spots to frequent is The Café Wha, where
bum All That. For this venture, and starring Perry.
Considered by many as the she is actually one of the feaas well as the last, she broadened her artistic involvement by greatest undiscovered discovery tured vocalists on what they
writing and producing most of in the music industry, Riley’s fans call “Throwback Tuesdays”
with the old school, real school
band called “DisFunktion.”
Riley says that in addition to
finally finishing her new CD entitled Let Me Be Me she will also
write and produce for other artists as well including a new artist on the horizon that she will
only say is her protégé and definitely a talent to be reckoned
with.
Amidst all of that, she plans
to publish a book of poetry, work
in television, and do more film.
“I’m into telling stories,” intones
Riley. “I want to bring like experiences to each project, whatever
it is, to reach out and affect
people, heal people, and provide
some kind of reality check. Times
may change, but if you go with
what’s real, using the gifts that
God has blessed you with, it will
stand the test of time. That’s
what I want... Longevity!”
New Yorker’s get to experience the creativity of one of their
favorite old school singers first
hand every Monday night at the
Village Underground where she
has hosted one of the city’s hottest indie artists jam sessions
called “Back in the Day, Black
Velvet Painting, Blue Lights in da
Basement, Musicians and Singers Jam” night!
More simply known as “Black
Velvet Mondays,” the showcase
is celebrating four years as musician s f r o m a r o u n d t h e
world have dropped in to
grace the stage. The showc a s e s t r e a m s l i v e a t http://
www.TheVillageUnderground.com
and bridges the gap between the
old school and new school as
artists and musicians come to
perform, network and inspire.
“‘Black Velvet Mondays’ is
my special baby,” reveals Riley.
“The energy every Monday is
amazing. We are a special haven
for artist creativity and our four
years is a testimony to the appreciation. God has truly
blessed me with this gift of song
and it is with great joy that I get
to give back to others,” she
laughs.
“I envisioned ‘Black Velvet
Mondays’ as my way of giving
back to the youth and presenting them an opportunity to grow,
shed, learn and get an education
about this business. And as a
platform, our Monday nights
keeps growing and growing!
With my touring, recording and
the weekly night sessions, I am
just blessed to have so many artistic avenues for expression,”
Riley concludes.
When asked what she credits
her success to, this busy young
lady answers humbly, “her wonderfully supportive family and
friends, and God’s Great Grace
and Mercy.” For it is not about
anything she herself has done,
but ALL about what He has done
and continues to do with her, for
her and through her. So, when
you speak of personality, quality, sincerity... consistency, the
woman that must come to mind
is none other than Cheryl Pepsii
Riley! An Artist, An Actress, A
Lady, A Blessing!
(from page 8)
$16 million in extra costs on a Los
Angeles subway job.” “Perini
sued for more than $170 million
in cost overruns on three New
York City projects during the
1990s before settling for about
$22 million.”
Any Black-owned firm doing
any of the above would be permanently banned from doing
anymore federal contracting. But
Perini? Oh no, it has actually
grown exponentially in the gov-
ernment contracting field. How can
this be? Well, the principal owner
of Tutor Perini is Richard Blum, the
husband of U.S. Senator Dianne
Feinstein (D – CA) who serves on
the Senate Armed Services Committee, which oversees the U.S. Department of Defense. Since joining
the U.S. Senate, Senator Feinstein
and her husband have enjoyed billions of dollars in defense contracts.
She voted for the Afghanistan
War and their company is rolling in
contracts directly related to the war
right now. She voted for the Iraq
war and their company has been
rolling in Iraqi contracts ever
since. American soldiers die and
the Senator and her husband
prosper handsomely and with
reckless abandon. It got so ridiculous that when she became
the Chair of the Armed Services
Committee even her counterparts
said that’s enough! It is bad
enough that all this is apparent
but do you have to be “Chair”
while all this is going on? So, she
stepped down from her Chair seat,
but is still on the committee and merce) has organized a public relathe dollars continue to roll in at an tions program that touts “MBDA
Unveils First U.S. Global Construcever growing pace.
She voted for the Stimulus Bill tion Program for Minority-Owned
and Perini was showered with Firms”.
That sounds incredibly good. Inmore federally funded contracts.
President Obama even partici- credible is the correct term as the
pated in this one. He kicked off instructor of the program is none
the highway contracts from his other than Tutor Perini. Can you
Stimulus Bill with a press confer- believe it! Sending minority firms for
ence at a highway construction instruction by Tutor Perini is like
site in Virginia. There he was sending maidens to a brothel – someshowing the world what the Stimu- thing real bad is going to happen.
lus money was doing in kicking The above is certainly our business
off this major highway project. as every penny of the abuse and
The contractor he put on display waste is our tax money. We need to
was Cherry Hill Construction. clean this up.
Mr. Alford is the co-founder,
Who owns Cherry Hill Construction? Tutor Perini! There is just president/CEO of the National
Black Chamber of Commerce®.
no shame.
Wait, it gets worse. The Minor- Website: www.nationalbcc.org
ity Business Development Email: halford@nationalbcc.org
special group sessions targeted Agency (U.S. Department of Com- www.twitter.com/nationalbcc.
to youth will address strategies
for building leadership skills, selfreliance and resiliency. Commu- Obama explains U.S. involvement in Libya
nity resource persons were availof the speech. It was intended to
able to youth in preparing for
(from page 3)
point out what an unusual point in
summer employment possibilities.
Previous conferences have fly zone. All three of the Council’s time that the U.S. found itself in.
Although there has been some
featured special guest speakers African members, South Africa,
such as King’s County District Nigeria and Gabon, voted in favor wavering, the decision to impose a
no-fly zone was supported by the
Attorney Charles J. Hynes, Nan of the Resolution.
Unlike the Saddam Hussein pe- Gulf Cooperation Council, the Arab
Henderson, a nationally renowned expert on resiliency and riod, when the oil-for-food scan- league and European allies, includstudent support, and Elayna dal undermined economic sanc- ing France and Britain, which apKonstan, CEO of New York City tions, Mr. Obama was able to make peared even more eager than the
Department of Education Office economic sanctions stick. In a U.S. to begin the military campaign.
A joint statement by French
of School and Youth Develop- record period of time, billions of
ment, NYC Deputy Mayor and dollars of Qaddafi’s funds have President Nicolas Sarkozy and
British Prime Minister David
CUNY Trustee, the Honorable been frozen.
He said, “We then took a se- Cameron on Monday said, “ToCarol Robles–Roman, NYC
Deputy Mayor Honorable Den- ries of swift steps in a matter of morrow in London, the internanis Walcott, Dr. David Clifton days to answer Gaddafi’s aggres- tional community will come toBanks, Founding Principal of the sion. We froze more than $33 bil- gether to support a new beginEagle Academy for Young Men, lion of the Gaddafi regime’s assets. ning for Libya. A new beginning
and Terrie Williams, MSW, author Joining with other nations at the in which the people of Libya are
United Nations Security Council, free from violence and oppresand motivational speaker.
we broadened our sanctions, im- sion, free to choose their own fuposed an arms embargo, and en- ture.”
abled Gaddafi and those around
They said, “Following an aphim to be held accountable for peal by the Arab League to take
sitology, renowned for his exper- their crimes.”
action to protect the people of
What the president did not do Libya...the United Nations Secutise in prevention and cultural
competency, said the UCR School in his speech, which may have dis- rity Council passed an historic
of Medicine is on track to enroll mayed some critics, was address resolution to protect civilians
its first class of 50 students in the the percolating crises in Syria, from the violence unleashed by
fall 2012. He said the Inland re- Yemen, Iran and Bahrain. Mr. Qadhafi’s war machine.”
gion already has a shortage of Obama appeared constrained to
The president’s words re3,000 physicians. That number is describe what the action means for flected the caution of the events
expected to grow to 5,000 by 2020. the future. Does the United States at hand and appealed to the
When it reaches full capacity, the find a way to support regime American public and NATO almedical school is expected to turn change in Iran or Syria?
lies’ view of the post-war responout as many as 250 physicians Yet, a discussion of the “Obama sibility to protect civilians. What
Doctrine,” as some are calling it, happens next will depend on
and health specialists per year.
Black Americans currently did not appear to be the purpose events on the ground.
comprise 13.4% of the U.S.
population. However, Black
physicians are only 2.3% of the
entire physician workforce;
and only 3.2% of all physicians are Latino. This is consistent with the definition of
“underrepresented in medi(from page 14)
sippi, and was given the “key to the
cine” as defined by the Americity.” Under the auspices of Operacan Association of Medical
In June, l999, Dr. McCarroll re- tion Crossroads Africa, he perColleges.
ceived City Tech’s “Performance formed in a quartet, on a tour of eight
Excellence Award.” This award countries in West Africa, playing for
was given for excellence in teach- the Presidents of Mauritania, Liberia
ing and service to students. His and Ghana.
honors also include being se- The largest public college of techMarian Wright Edelman is lected “Educator of the Year” by nology in New York State, New York
president of the Children’s the Association of Black Educa- City College of Technology of The
Defense Fund whose Leave No tors of New York, “CUNY Scholar” City University of New York enrolls
Child Behind mission is to en- by The City University of New 15,400 students in 62 baccalaureate,
sure every child a Healthy York and “Scholar on Campus” by associate and specialized certificate
programs. An additional 15,000 stuStart, a Head Start, a Fair City Tech.
In addition to his roles as edu- dents annually enroll in continuing
Start, a Safe Start and a Moral
Start in life and successful cator and advocate, Dr. McCarroll education and workforce developpassage to adulthood with the has given numerous piano recit- ment programs. Located at 300 Jay
help of caring families and als in the United States. In l982, Street in Downtown Brooklyn, City
he played for the formal opening Tech is at the MetroTech Center acacommunities.
For more information go to of the Saenger Performing Arts demic and commercial complex, conCenter in Hattiesburg, Missis- venient to public transportation.
www.childrensdefense.org.
Evers annual confab seeks to foster
resiliency in young men of color
(from page 17)
challenges.” Walcott didn’t
spend all of his time lecturing the
young men as he also took the
time out to answer some questions. When asked about some
of the cuts that were taking place
in the city, Walcott informed the
student that many of the cuts
were a result of occurrences taking place in Albany. When some
of the students didn’t find the
answer acceptable and vocalized
that displeasure, Walcott responded in true professional and
respectable fashion. “I’d rather
you boo me than remain silent,”
he told the youngsters in the
crowd. “It means you’re aware of
the issues.” This garnered the respect of those in attendance, as
well as Walcott’s promise to respond to anyone who reached
out to him.
“Good, better, best. Never let
it rest, ‘til your good gets better and
your better, best,” was the mantra
with which keynote speaker Leslie
Fitzgerald Shannon opened his sermon like lecture. Shannon spoke
not only to the young men in attendance, but also to the social
workers and teachers present. He
started by taking the word “problem” and making it into an acronym
standing for “Potential Restricted
Operating Below (or beneath)
Love, Empathy and Maturity.” Like
his predecessors, Shannon spoke
of the necessity of a positive attitude. He spoke of the internal potential within the youth and the
duty of the social workers and the
previous generation in general, to
help the youth reach that internal.
Using several anecdotes, Shannon
spoke of the need for one’s personal vision for themselves and the
hard work necessary to achieve that
vision.
The day was rounded up with
Absence of diversity at medical school opening
(from page 15)
light of an expected $50 million
budget reduction next year, even
as the university mulls cutting library hours, cutting or merging
academic programs, slashing
pension costs, and energy bills.
“My great hope is that the
medical school will be able to pursue its promise that it will work to
get more diverse populations to
enter the medical field,” said Jackson. “That is a critical need not
only in the Inland Empire but
across the nation because of the
population shifts. UCR has an
opportunity to play a tremendous
role in preparing the next generation of physicians.”
Riverside County leaders, private foundations, and the federal
government each have pledged
millions of dollars for the school.
But, until late last year one key
source of money had been conspicuously lacking: the state of
California.
Olds thanked Assembly Member
Wilmer Amina Carter (D-Rialto) who
chaired a Democrat-controlled
budget committee’s adoption of the
Budget Act of 2010, which gave the
medical school $10 million to support start-up costs. Carter was unable to attend the opening because
of on-going 2011-12 budget negotiations.
“As we move to overcome the
most daunting economic challenges we have faced in decades,
these funds will move the medical
school forward with the promise of
a broad and beneficial impact on
health care, higher education, and
the overall quality of life for the Inland Empire,” Carter said of the
October, 2010 legislation.
Olds, an expert in international
health, infectious disease and para-
Revisiting Marks, Mississippi
(from page 12)
one in 50 Americans have no cash
income, according to the New
York Times. When one in five children in our nation are still poor,
one in four still experience food
insecurity, and the same communities that so affected Dr. King
and Senator Kennedy in the
1960s still qualify as oppressed
societies to international aid organizations today, millions of chil-
dren still need the education and
opportunities that will give them a
springboard instead of a safety
net—and launch them out of poverty for good.
How are our leaders responding? House Republican leaders are
proposing draconian budget cuts
in cost effective nutrition programs
like WIC and education programs
like Head Start millions of poor children desperately need. Why are we
silent?
City Tech’s McCarroll
gets Lifetime Award
25
When the Feds embrace a gangster corporation
26
WHAT’S GOING ON
By Victoria Horsford
THE WEEK IN REVIEW
March 29 will go down as a great
day in Harlem, 2011 even though
it was in lockdown, in preparation
for President Barack Hussein
Obama’s visit. Three generations
of African Americans, wheelchaired seniors, single mothers
and their tween sons jockeyed for
space to catch a fleeting look at
our Commander in Chief. Lenox
Avenue at 125 Street was inaccessible to all but the NYPD, the Secret Service, et.al. Helicopters
hovered above and the teeming
streets were alive with Black pride,
euphoria and some Black Christian right demonstrators, who were
subject to calumnies by Black onlookers, which I could not document in this family newspaper. The
presidential motorcade had to include at least 50 cars, SUVS, limos.
It was crazy good! Some onlookers swore that someone waved as
the cars whizzed by and they
knew that it was President Obama!
As citizens of the world’s preeminent world power, it is hard for
Americans to prioritize the big
stories of the week: The Libya NoFlight Zone, the Japan earthquake
and nuclear meltdown crisis; the
US Budget crisis; US state Governors and Budget Battles; or the
Latest and Final US Census Reports. This focuses on Census, the
US and NYC.
According to the US Bureau of
the Census, the nation’s resident
population, projected to 3/29/11
is 311, 067,445. Whites remain the
nation’s largest major race; while
there are significant increases in
the country’s minority (Black,
nonwhite Hispanic, Asian-American, and Native American) populations which now total 111.9 million, up from 89.9 million in 2000.
What a difference a decade makes!
The U.S Black population increased from 34.6 to 38.9 million, a
12% increase, from 2001 to 2010.
More Blacks have been intermarrying. Many Blacks are moving
to the US South, reaching highest
point in half a century. About 17%
of Blacks who moved to the South
since 2000, left NYS, which really
means NYC.
U.S. Census results re: NYC fell
short of forecasts. City’s population is 8,175,133. Mayor Michael
Bloomberg took issue with the figure saying at least 225,000 people
were not counted, a figure based
on findings by NYC professional
demographers. The undercounts
are in two boroughs, Brooklyn
and Queens, which house many
of the city’s immigrant populations, especially Caribbean Americans. To be sure, undocumented
immigrants in NYC from the Caribbean, Africa, South America and
Asia were among the US Census
“undercounted.” The NY Black
population declined, the first time
since the draft riots during the
Civil War. Non-Hispanic Blacks
represent 23% of NYC population.
Whites are 33% of the NYC population, which should have interesting reverberations for the 2013
mayoral race. All population demographics affect congressional
and legislative reapportionment
and federal funding to NYC/NYS.
President Obama
According to the Inter-American Development Bank’ Multilateral Investment Fund, Caribbean
nationals from six countries sent
more than $7 billion in remittances
to their homelands in 2010. Nationals from the Dominican Republic
sent home $2.9 billion; the Haitian
Diaspora sent home more than
$1.9 billion; Jamaican Americans
sent home $1.9 billion; Guyanese
nationals sent home $323 million,
Trinidad and Tobago nationals
sent home $123 million; and
Surinam nationals remitted $109
million back home. The 2010 remittances eclipse US foreign aid to
those destinations and exceeds
2009 transfers.
PHENOMENAL WOMEN
Theroot.com published BLACK
WOMEN WHO RULE THE ART
SCENE. The 22 art world divas
are Mildred Howard, fine artist;
Valerie Cassel Oliver, Corrine
Jennings; Lowery Stokes Sims,
PhD, Museum of Art and Design;
Betye Saar, fine artist; Elizabeth
Cattlett, fine artist, Thelma Golden,
Studio Museum In Harlem; Judith
Wilson, art historian, Lizzetta
LeFalle-Collins; Leslie KingHammond; Kinshasha Conwill
Holman, PhD, Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture; Mary
Schmidt-Campbell, PhD, NYU,
Dean Tisch School of The Arts;
Deborah Willis, PhD, MacArthur
Fellow, Chair of NYU Tisch School
of the Arts; Lorna Simpson, fine
artist; Faith Ringgold, fine artist;
Jacqueline Days Serwer,
Smithsonian National Museum of
African American History and
Culture; Valerie Mercer, art historian; Samella Lewis, fine artist;
Andrea Barnwell Brownlee, art
historian; Kellie Jones, art historian/curator; Carroll, Parrott Blie;
and Candida Alvarez, fine artist
Congratulations to HADLEY
Players founder, Gertrude
Jeanette, 96, actress, playwright
and director who was honored for
her remarkable 70-year career during Women’s History Month, by
the Coalition of Theatres of Color
organization on March 28 at the
Dwyer Cultural Center in Harlem.
REST IN PEACE: Harlem born
and bred doyenne Barbara
Sweeting died. Her funeral service
will be held at Abyssinian Baptist
Church at 132 West 138 Street,
Harlem on Friday, April 1 at 10 am.
WRITERS AND READERS
Ellis Cose, veteran author/journalist/pundit Ellis Cose’s new book
THE END OF ANGER will be published in April. In it, Cose argues
that African American leaders understand that “things are much
harder for President Obama to do
because he is not white. They
understand Obama’s racial challenge.” Book is intended as a
counterpoint to
The Tea Party narratives about
President Obama. One of Cose’s
earlier book, “The Rage of A Privileged Class” dealt with American
race relations.
The New York Times lost two of
its top opinion and editorial
(OpEd) voices this month. Frank
Rich, Sunday Op-Ed writer jumped
ship to join the New York Magazine, where he can write longer
form essays. African American
Bob Herbert, 66, wrote his
swansong Op-Ed titled LOSING
OUR WAY, a USA lamentation, on
3/26. Herbert, an 18-year NYT veteran said. “I will be writing a book
and will continue to expand efforts
on behalf of working people, the
poor and others who are struggling in our society.”
SPRING FEVER
The 18th Annual NY African Film
Festival NYAFF returns to its Film
Society of Lincoln Center berth on
April 6 for a week, offering film
fare from destinations across the
African Diaspora. This year, the
NYAFF is a multifarious celebra-
tion of cinema; of the United
Nation’s Declared International
Year of Peoples of African Descent; and of the 50th Anniversary
of Sierra Leonean and Tanzanian
Sovereignty. The 18th NYAFF
boasts 15 feature films, 16 shorts
and a dozen documentaries, by
emerging and veteran filmmakers
from 24 countries. The 4/6 opening night film, KINSHASA SYMPHONY, is about the Democratic
Republic of the Congo’s only
symphonic orchestra. On April 2,
the NYAFF hosts a panel discussion, “Artistic Voices From The
African Diaspora” with Harry
Belafonte, Xenobia Bailey and
Zina Saro-Wiwa, which will be followed by a screening of “African
Rhythmus” at the Museum of Art
and Design MAD.
The 2011 NYAFF runs through
May 31 at the following NYC venues: Lincoln Center, Museum of
Arts and Design, Columbia
University’s Institute of African
Studies, the Big Screen Project
and the Brooklyn Academy of
Music BAMcinematek. The brainchild of NYC based, Sierra Leoneborn Mahen Bonetti, the NYAFF
is oldest African cinema excellence
in the city. For NYAFF calendar of
events, film synopses and
playdates, visit africanfilmny.org.
Margaret Troupe’s Harlem Arts
Salon hosts is first 2011 book party
for “SOMETHING TO SAY:
Thoughts on Art and Politics in
America,” at 1925 Seventh Avenue, Suite 7L, at 117 Street,
Harlem, on Saturday, April 9, from
2-5 pm. SOMETHING TO SAY is
a profile of 15 creative forces, who
discuss art in the service of social
justice, including the late Howard
Zinn, Peter Seeger, Yoko Ono,
screenwriter Ron Nyswaner, comedian Maysoon Zayid, poet
Quincy Troup et.al. Admission is
$20, which includes the book, readings, and refreshments. For more
info, visit harlemartssalon.com or
call 212.749.7771.
Talks are in progress between
Margaret and Quincy Troupe and
George Faison for an 85th Miles
Davis Birthday Gala at the Faison
Firehouse.
The 7th Annual Evidence Gala, A
Breath of Spring, will be held at the
Grand Ballroom at Manhattan Center, on Tuesday, April 12 and will be
hosted by Tamara Tunie and Gregory Generet. The Black tie gala, a
multi-tiered event will include a
cocktail reception, theater style
dance performance, dinner, an
awards presentation, patrons dancing with the performers, and a luxury
auction. Janice Combs and United
Airlines are Gala honorees. An Evidence performance “On Earth Together,” choreographed by Ronald
K. Brown, Evidence founder and artistic director, and inspired by the
music of Stevie Wonder, is one of
the evening’s many highlights.
Ticket price points are $1,000 to
$2,500. Pamela Joyner is Gala honorary chair and Reginald Van Lee is
Gala Dinner Chair. Evidence, A
Dance Company, is one of America’s
pre-eminent troupes which is predominantly African American. For
reservations and info, visit
evidencedance.com or call
914.235.1490.
Vy Higginsen’s timeless classic, MAMA, I WANT TO SING,
about a young, talented gospel
vocalist who is in love with secular music despite her mother’s
objections, will be revived from
April 16 to July 2, Saturdays
only, at the Dempsey Theater at
127 West 127 Street, in Harlem.
Ti c k e t s
are
$35.
Vi s i t
mamafoundation.org
for
playdates or call 212.280-1045.
More ARIES Birthday
shoutouts to Gloria Dulan-Wilson, Aretha Franklin, Ernest
H o p k i n s , D a v i d Wa l k e r a n d
Randy Weston. Joe Opaku celebrated in Nigerian where he
says he had a 444 CPW-like party!
A media consultant, Victoria
Horsford, is a Harlem-based journalist and culture historian who
can
be
contacted
at
victoriahorsford@yahoo.com
NNPA Award Winner
27
By Don Thomas
Remembering
The Legendary Ladies of SKYY
mourn lost of Loleatta Holloway
“In spite of being a world renowned ‘Disco Diva,’ Loleatta (pictured)
was so easy to be around” - The Ladies of Skyy
you have to sing every night?” calendar of events scheduled for
Loleatta said, “Chile, you can’t the spring season. In addition to
sing those notes 365 days a year the two Al Goodman tributes in
– it’s okay to fudge those notes April and several private corporate
sometimes!” Bonnie noted that events, the Ladies are scheduled
the girls still follow her advice to entertain at The Sandra and
to this day.
Glenn D. Cunningham Scholarship
Loleatta and the Ladies of Foundation dinner dance at Liberty
SKYY enjoyed a brief reunion State Park, coordinated by Soul
almost 20 years later, in 2001, at Generation’s Cliff Perkins, on
Windows on the World during Thursday, May 26 in Jersey City,
a Club Music performance se- New Jersey.
The Ladies are also schedries produced by Nino Torre.
Their meeting was filled with uled to reunite with Nino Torre
hugs and laughs. Denise re- on Saturday, May 21 at the officalls, “Loleatta was so sur- cial after party for the New York
prised and happy to see us, and City Dance Parade at Sequoias
she tore the house down. It was on Pier 17, South Street Seaport.
nice to see her and to hear her The sisters will dedicate that
in such great voice after so performance to the memory of
Sisters Denise, Dolores, Bonnie a/k/a The Ladies of Skyy
(Photo: Ronnie Wright)
much time had passed by.” Legendary Loleatta Holloway.
Loleatta has left an indelible For further information contact:
The Legendary Ladies of ever had. Floyd and Loleatta tiredness. “We asked her what legacy as the ultimate Diva of Austin Kwame Wilkinson at
austinkwamewilkinsonent
SKYY, the original female vo- made the band feel right at to do when you have such a Club and Dance music.
The Ladies of SKYY have a full @gmail.com
calists of the classic funk/R&B home. The guys played bas- heavy touring schedule and
group SKYY, mourn the death ketball outside while the girls
of their former label mate, sat in the kitchen as Loleatta
Loleatta Holloway. Holloway whipped up a lunch they will
dubbed the “House Mother of never forget. The spread that
Disco” club music scene dur- Loleatta had prepared for them
ing the 70s and 80s passed included corn bread and BBQ
ribs,” recalls Denise.
away on March 21, 2011.
In spite of being a world reHolloway was signed with
Norman Harris’ SalSoul-dis- nowned Disco Diva, Loleatta
tributed label, Gold Mind was so easy to be around.
Records from 1977 and became Dolores remembered a story
a full-fledged SalSoul Record- she told them while she was
their
lunch.
ing artist in 1978. The Ladies p r e p a r i n g
o f S K Y Y, s i s t e r s D e n i s e , “Loleatta told us about the time
Dolores and Bonne (Dunning) she was performing in a city
recorded 7 albums for the label and her regular hairdresser was
unavailable, so she had to go
between 1979 and 1984.
The sisters have only the to a different hairdresser.
“ As she was having her hair
fondest of memories of
Loleatta. “Loleatta invited us done, the hairdresser started
to her home in Chicago when t e l l i n g h e r t h a t h e k n e w
we were on our whirlwind tour L o l e a t t a H o l l o w a y, s a y i n g
with the Skyyline album. Her ‘chile you know she drinks.’
late husband, Floyd Smith, “We had a good laugh about
picked us up early in the morn- that one,” Denise commented.
As the new kids on the
ing at the airport in his long
Cadillac, wearing with his slip- SalSoul label, Bonne said that
she really appreciated the adpers, pajamas and robe.
“We thought it was just the vice Loleatta gave the girls
funniest first encounter we when they experienced vocal Original members of SKYY, one of the most popular million-selling R&B/Funk groups of the 80s
Enter tainment
THEATER
28
with 2nd Night Reviewer Audrey J. Bernard
50th Anniversary
How To Succeed In Business Without
Really Trying opens on Broadway
The new production of the
Tony Award and Pulitzer Prizewinning musical comedy How To
Succeed In Business Without Really Trying opened at Broadway’s
Al Hirschfeld Theatre, 302 West
45th Street, Times Square, New
York City, Sunday evening, March
27, 2011.
Directed and choreographed
by Tony and Emmy Award-winner Rob Ashford, How To Succeed In Business Without Really
Trying has a book by Abe Burrows, Jack Weinstock and Willie
Gilbert, based on Shepherd
Mead’s satirical self-help book of
the same name and music and lyrics by Frank Loesser.
The electrifying production
stars Daniel Radcliffe (J.
Pierrepont Finch), John
Larroquette (J.B. Biggley),
Rose Hemingway (Rosemary
Pilkington), Tammy Blanchard
(Hedy La Rue), Christopher J.
Hanke (Bud Frump), Rob Bartlett
(Twimble/Wally Womper), Mary
Faber (Smitty), Ellen Harvey
(Miss Jones), Michael Parks (Bert
Bratt) and Anderson Copper
(voice of the narrator).
The gifted cast of 30 includes
John Larroquette, Daniel
Radcliffe
Liza Minnelli, Rob Ashford
Cameron Adams, Cleve Asbury,
Tanya Birl, Kevin Covert, Paige
Faure, David Hull, Justin Keyes,
Marty Lawson, Erica Mansfield,
Barrett Martin, Nick Mayo, Sarah
O’Gleby, Stephanie Rothenberg,
Megan Sikora, Michaeljon Slinger,
Joey Sorge, Matt Wall, Ryan
Watkinson, Charlie Williams and
Samantha Zack.
As the story goes, following
the advice of a book entitled
“How to Succeed in Business”
a young window-cleaner, J.
Pierrepont Finch, begins a meteoric rise from the mail-room
to vice president of advertising at the World-Wide Wicket
Company. Finch’s riotous rise
up the corporate ladder jeopardizes not only his career but
also his romance with secretary Rosemary Pilkington.
This play is like watching
the “Energizer Bunny” on
crack! There’s so much unbridled energy on that stage!
The hot new musical is laced
with lots of fun and laugh-outloud teachable moments, and
its dazzling choreography will
leave you dancing out of the
theater ready to tackle anything that comes your way. A
“Revival Tony” is not too farfetched.
Adding to the allure of the
hit musical are the memorable
tunes by Frank Loesser including “I Believe in You,” “Happy
How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying Opening Night Performance Curtail Call
to Keep His Dinner Warm,”
“The Company Way,” “Been a
Long Day,” “Rosemary,” and
“Brotherhood of Man.”
The creative team for How To
Succeed In Business Without
Really Trying includes Derek
McLane (sets), Catherine Zuber
(costumes), Howell Binkley
(lighting), Jon Weston (sound),
t o m Wa t s o n ( h a i r ) , D o u g
Besterman (orchestrations),
and David Chase (music direc-
tor & arranger).
The 50th anniversary production
of How To Succeed In Business
Without Really Trying is produced
by Broadway Across America
(John Gore, Thomas B. McGrath,
Beth Williams), Craig Zadan,
Neil Meron, Joseph Smith,
Michael McCabe, Candy Spelling, Takonkiet Viravan / Scenario
Thailand, Hillary A. Williams, Jen
Namoff / Fakston Productions,
Two Left Feet Productions / Power
Arts HOP Theatricals, LLC / Paul
Chau / Daniel Frishwasser / Michael
Jackowitz, Michael Speyer - Bernie
Abrams / Jacki Barlia Florin - Adam
Blanshay / Arlene Scanlan / TBS
Service.
At show’s end, guests got down
to party business and boogied over
to The Plaza Hotel for a posh post
celebration where they succeeded
in having an unforgettable time!
(Photos by Walter McBride / Retna
Ltd.)
Bernadette Peters
Neil Simon, Elaine Joyce
John Stamos
Anika Noni Rose
Craig Zadan, Candy Spelling,
Neil Meron (Producers)
Tammy Blanchard
Rose Hemingway, Michele Lee
“Blacks On Broadway and Beyond” honoree and Academy
Award-nominee Ruby Dee being interviewed by NY1 at
Gran Piatto d’Oro Restaurant.
The gala event held during
Black History Month was sponsored by The Greater Harlem
Chamber of Commerce
(L-R) Honorees George Faison, Donna Walker-Kuhne and Woodie King, Jr., strike a pose during “Black
On Broadway and Beyond” gala held at Gran Piatto d’Oro.
R&B singer Chuck Jackson salutes legendary/singer/author Dionne Warwick at the Women’s History Month tribute and book signing of her new book “My Life As I See It.” The event took place at the
Dwyer Cultural Center in Harlem and was sponsored by The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce,
WBLS.FM, the Daily News and The City Collage of New York.
29
The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce
salutes ‘Blacks On Broadway and Beyond’
30
Bookin’ It
Recipes are accompanied by personal stories
By Kam Williams
The “Pass It Down Cookbook” is filled with recipes that
reflect the generations-long need
to document and share our history and culture.
The recipes in this book are accompanied by personal stories
that provide
us with a unique opportunity to
preserve our cooking heritage.
Filled with poignant memories of
the past, and the present triumphs of both the acclaimed and
unknown Black Americans who
impacted the way the whole nation eats, this book gives voice
to everyday people and their triumphs in the kitchen…
[It] also explores how AfricanAmericans have impacted the
economy, the iconography, the
preparation, and the very spirit
of American foods…Our goal was
to create a collection that is both
a cookbook and community memoir filled with great food and even
better stories. We hope, as you
read this book, it will become a
way to learn about and share the
bounty that is the African-American contribution, not just to food,
but to the very identity of this
nation.” Excerpted from the Preface (pgs. xii-xiv)
Last year, love advice books
were all the rage in publishing, at
least in terms of the AfricanAmerican demographic. But judging from the early offerings of
2011, it looks like the how-to focus has shifted from the bedroom
to the kitchen.
After all, it’s only March, and
the “Pass It Down Cookbook” already represents the fourth opus
I’ve reviewed with a heavy focus
on food. Granted the previous
tomes, such as Culinary Professor
Jessica B. Harris’ “High on the
Hog,” and Janet Jackson’s memoir
“True You,” only had a modest
number of recipes, while this one
prominently features in excess of
130. Nonetheless, in this reporter’s
humble opinion, the sudden attention to the Black diet is indicative
of a trend worth noting.
The “Pass It Down Cookbook”
is the latest in Tavis Smiley’s
“America I Am” series celebrating
400 years of African-American cultural contributions in a variety of
fields. Augmenting the assorted
texts is a touring museum exhibition highlighting the undeniable
Black imprint upon the nation.
Edited by Jeff Henderson, Executive Chef at the Bellagio Hotel
and Casino in Las Vegas, “Pass It
Down Cookbook” is pretty evenly
divided between mouth-watering
menus and informative history lessons.
In terms of the latter, I found
former Clinton aide Adrian
Miller’s chapter on Presidential
Chefs quite enlightening. From
G e o rg e Wa s h i n g t o n ’s s l a v e
Hercules who broke Martha’s
heart when he ran away, to
FDR’s head chef Ida Allen, who
prepared his boss’ favorite dish,
pigs’ feet, with a Southern flair
for guest of honor, Winston
Churchill, each entry proved to
be fairly fascinating.
As for the recipes revealed
here, they include not only tra-
Jeff Henderson, executive chef at The Bellagio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas
ditional soul food like barbecued ribs and fried chicken, but
also some heavenly haute cuisine such as blackened salmon
and saporous strawberry
cheesecake. Overall, “Pass It
Down” stands as an overdue testament to the legacy of legions of
underappreciated culinary greats
henceforth apt to inspire the next
generation of African-American
chefs endeavoring to stand on the
shoulders of giants. To order a
copy of “Pass It Down Cookbook,”
visit:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/
obidos/ASIN/1401931359/
ref=nosim/thslfofire-20
Actor inspires youth to follow their dreams
Compiled By Don Thomas
On Showtime’s hit series “The
WIRE” the played Omar Little a
gun-toting, take-no-prisoner
thug. On the rough streets of
Brooklyn, New York, where
Michael K. Williams was born and
raised, he is known as one of the
fortunate ones that made it.
On Wed., Mar. 16, Actor
Michael Williams made a surprise visit to Harlem Dowling
West Side Center for Children
and Family Services, where he
spoke with the agency’s adolescent population in hopes of inspiring them to follow their
dreams.
The stage and screen actor
shared intimate details of how overcoming crack addiction; surviving
a vicious club fight that nearly took
his life and left behind his signature facial scar; prayer and perseverance made him the man he is
today.
In 2011, Harlem Dowling West
Side Center for Children and Family Services will celebrate its 175th
Anniversary. To help commemorate this occasion, the agency recently launched its building fund
to construct a new home office
at 2135 Adam Clayton Powell,
J r. B l v d i n t h e Vi l l a g e o f
Harlem. The green building
will include approximately
15,000 sq. ft. of office space and
an additional 45,000 sq ft of
space for low-income and subsidized housing.
Actor Michael K. Williams (back center), is joined by Harlem Dowling Executive Director Dorothy
Worrell (Front center), Youth Peer Educator Nayobi Perdomo (front right), Director Cherie Blae (middle
right) and Harlem Dowling youth participants.
(Photo:Dwaine Mitchell)
Stars come out to hail The Queen
of Soul at her 69 birthday bash
Aretha Franklin blows out
candles on lavish birthday cake
The Queen of Soul, Aretha
Franklin, threw herself a fabulous 69 birthday bash at the
posh Helmsley Park Lane Hotel on tony Central Park South
on Friday, March 25, 2011. The
late night shindig took place in
the remarkably ritzy Park Room
Restaurant that boasts plush
Central Park as its backdrop
and a celestial sky as its ceiling. The room was breathtakingly beautiful!
Franklin, who just a few
months ago underwent surgery
for an ailment she has declined
to disclose, arrived on the arm
of handsome longtime friend
Willie Wilkerson. She looked
ethereal in a gorgeous flowing
white and gold gown with gold
accessories.
And as the Queen would
have it, the joint was jumpin’
and even Franklin – who appeared to be full of energy —
couldn’t sit down and once
seated found it hard to keep
still. She was visibly pleased.
The regal seating arrangements included formal dinnerware, larger than life exotic floral arrangements and a long
and winding dessert bar with
roaming butlers bringing libations of your choice to you.
The royal menu was fit for a
queen. Guests dined on a
menu that included Chicken
Satay (peanut sauce), Coconut
Crusted Shrimp (orange Dijon
sauce), Spicy Shrimp Spring
Roll (teriyaki dip); Lobster and
Tropical Fruit Salad (blue corn
tortilla), Smoked Salmon Mousseline (herbed cream cheese
pumpernickel) and Smoked
Duck Breast (lingoberry preserves, rye toast). There were
also two carving stations: Ms.
Franklin Baked Ham and Roast
Sirloin of Beef.
During dinner the Queen and
her stately court were entertained
by jazz vibraphonist Roy Ayers,
Latin jazz orchestra leader Tito
Puente Jr., jazz singer Nnenna
Frelon, DJ Frank Nitty and former
Temptation lead singer Dennis
Edwards who, after performing,
did a duet with his longtime friend
Franklin on “T h e Wa y We
Were.” He then led the crowd
in singing “Happy Birthday”
followed by the cake cutting
ceremony that moved Franklin
to say, “It’s a fabulous moment!”
Seen paying homage to the
Queen were Bette Midler,
Victoria & Michael Imperioli,
Star Jones, Smokey Robinson,
Roberta Flack, Michael Eric
Dyson, Brenda & Dennis
Edwards, Eddie Franklin, Al
Roker, Deborah Roberts, Sue
Simmons, Janice Huff, Lu
Willard, Stan Hoffman, Dedra
Aretha Franklin, arrives with longtime friend Willie Wilkerson
Tony Bennett presents drawing to Aretha Franklin
Roy Ayers, Sidney Miller, Cathy Hughes,
Rev. Al Sharpton
Dedra Tate, Tracey Jordan
Gwen Quinn
Tate, Leslie Burns, Don Thomas,
Rev. Al Sharpton, Gayle King,
Wendy Williams, Gregory
Dunmore, Ace West, Kevin Hunter,
Clive Davis, Sherri Shepherd,
Gwen Quinn, Butch Lewis, Judge
Clive Davis, Roberta Flack
Victoria & Michael Imperioli
Brenda & Dennis Edwards
Stan Hoffman, Lu Willard
Bette Midler greets Aretha Franklin
Greg Mathis, Cathy Hughes,
Franklin’s personal assistants
Zoretha Coleman and Tracey Jordan, and Tony Bennett who presented Franklin with a beautiful
sketch.
“I also paint, so she knows
about that,” he said.” A long time
ago, she said, ‘I’d love to have
you do a painting of me,’ and I
remembered that, and when I
heard I was coming here, I just
Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson
Aretha duets with Dennis Edwards
knocked off a quick sketch tonight
and gave it to her tonight.” Long
live the Queen!
(Photos by Monica Morgan Photography with Audrey J. Bernard
and Dedra N. Tate)
31
KICKIN’ IT with Lifestyles & Society Editor Audrey J. Bernard
32
Flick-Chat
A hip hoppin’ family affair
comin’ this Easter holiday
From the makers of the blockbuster “Despicable Me” comes
a new comedy that blends stateof-the-art CG animation with a
live action flick “Hop.” The follow up to Universal Pictures and
Illumination Entertainment’s
worldwide hit tells the story of
E.B. (voiced by Russell Brand of
“Despicable Me” and “Get Him
to the Greek“), the teenage son
of the Easter Bunny.
Off the coast of South
America, on the island of Rapa
Nui fondly known as Easter Island, under the giant stone heads
resides the most magnificent
candy factory. Three hundred
and sixty five days a year, the
Easter Bunny reigns over a team
of bunnies and chicks who prepare the candy-filled baskets that
are delivered to children around
the world on Easter morning.
On the eve of being ordained
as his father’s successor, E.B. takes
off for Hollywood in pursuit of his
dream of becoming a drummer.
Once there, he encounters Fred
(James Marsden of “X-Men,” “Enchanted”), recently fired and determined to pull his life together.
After being lovingly kicked out
of his parents’ home, he accidentally runs into E.B. Feigning injury and shocking Fred with his
ability to talk, E.B. manipulates
Fred into providing him shelter.
Back on Easter Island, the Easter Bunny’s second in command,
an oversized chick named Carlos,
seizes E.B.’s disappearance as an
opportunity to plot a coup. Ultimately, Fred and E.B. are Easter’s
only hope and they find themselves returning to Easter Island,
locked in an epic battle to save the
beloved holiday.
Marsden and Brand are joined
by an all-star comedic cast that includes Kaley Cuoco, Hugh Laurie,
Hank Azaria, Gary Cole, Elizabeth
Perkins and Chelsea Handley.
The film is helmed by Tim Hill,
director of the blockbuster “Alvin
and the Chipmunks,” and produced by Chris Meledandri,
founder of Illumination Entertainment, and Michele Imperato Stabile. “Hop” is from a story by Cinco
Paul and Ken Daurio and a screenplay by Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio
and Brian Lynch.
Designing of E.B. - The signature
characters of E.B., the Easter
Bunny, Carlos and Phil were designed by Emmy Award-winning
and Annie-nominated artist Peter
Deseve, whose relationship with
Meledandri extends back to their
work together on the “Ice Age”
films, for which DeSève designed
the scene-stealing saber-toothed
prehistoric squirrel known to tens
of millions as Scrat. Commends
Meledandri: “Peter’s unique touch
at creating timeless characters is
inimitable. We knew our hero had
to be irreverent, fun, hip, young and
Actor James Marsden portrays (Fred) in a family-friendly, fast paced scene from “HOP”
a classic character, and Peter
nailed the design.
The Music of HOP - The production team, under the direction of
composer Christopher Lennert
and music supervisor Julianne
Jordan, set out to create a musical experience for “Hop” that was
young and fun and encompassed
the energy and excitement of the
comedy.
Both musical talents were previous Hill collaborators on “Alvin
and the Chipmunks,” and Jordan
helped to create the popular
soundtrack for that film, which
featured the signature “chipmunk” sound.
For “Hop,” the filmmakers recruited the Australian-born pop/
R&B artist Cody Simpson to cover
an updated version of “I Want
Candy.” The drum-centric pop song
ties into E.B.’s world and into key
sequences and themes of the movie
(e.g., Easter candy).
Though The Strangeloves originally recorded the song in 1965,
most audiences are familiar with pop
group Bow Wow Wow’s 1982 cover,
which became an irrepressible song
that year. The filmmakers were
pleased to have the 14-year-old
Simpson, whose solo debut, “iYiYi
(featuring Flo Rida),” join the
project.
On Stage
33
By Ernece B. Kelly
Drama Critic
Actor/comic John
Leguizamo turns in a brilliant non-stop, high energy
performance in his new
Broadway one-person show,
“Ghetto Klown”.
Popping onstage in a running suit, pants pulled down
“lock-up style”, he burns up
the stage with dance moves
reminiscent of the 1960s.
Throughout the exciting two hour show, he recalls other decades with his
dancing, and linking these
performances are his funnysad memories of growing up
in Queens (where they were
so poor they had a window
instead of a television!) and
growing away from his father, a pivotal figure in his
John Leguizamo
life. One of his funniest lines
recounts his father disowning him. “You can’t disown
me when you never owned
me”, John fires back.
Cleverly bringing more
than a half-dozen characters
to life—a high school
teacher, his talent agent, a
white girlfriend—by changing his accent, posture, and
gait, Leguizamo carries audiences through a huge chunk
of his life.
Depression, a frequent
problem, is deftly handled
with humor in a short film
showing him dealing with
it—sleeping, hiding behind
curtains, drinking—among
other things. The clip is
screened several times and
gets funnier each time!
Fisher Stevens’ direction
and Happy Massee’s scenic
design with its sparse stage,
offering no distraction from
L e g u i z a m o ’s f r a n t i c s t y l e ,
a r e i n s y n c . B u t i t ’s t h e
highly imaginative projection design of Aaron
Gonzalez
which
most
complements the performance.
Pre-show, a billboardsi z e d s c r e e n a p p e a r s t o
be a wall with worn,
weather-beaten posters
o f L e g u i z a m o ’s e a r l i e r
s h o w s , like “Freak”, and
“Mambo Mouth.”
But once the show is underway, that “wall” becomes a
moving subway train, a source
for shadow play, and a conventional screen for clips from
some of the 60+ movies
Leguizamo has appeared in.
Zany, eye-popping, hilarious, and poignant, by turns,
“Ghetto Klown” is a perfect
vehicle for Leguizamo’s story
and a perfectly entertaining
evening for mature audiences.
“Ghetto Klown” plays at the
Lyceum
Theatre
in
Manhattan’s Theatre District
thru May 15 th.
The Bouquet of the Day
Jes Gordon takes on the centerpiece
at this year’s Macy’s Flower Show
The 37 th Annual Macy’s
Flower Show is just about
ready to bloom and Jes Gordon
is one of the designers
charged with creating a oneof-a-kind centerpiece for the
festivities, the Bouquet of the
Day.
Gordon inspired fans to
‘Party Like a Rock Star’ with
her stylish planning-on-anybudget guidebook, electrified
Diffa’s Dining By Design for
eight years in a row, and now
she’s bringing her glam-rock
edge to nature’s most delicate
creations.
Inspired by some of her favorite musicians, her work of
art is several feet high, constructed from a 4-foot tall pink
skull with a cascading floral
Mohawk running down the
middle.
Regarding her aesthetic
and inspiration. “For over 20
years, my signature style has
been consistent, aiming to
harmoniously mix country and
Rock & Roll to achieve an
eclectic balance. I want folks
ranging from 2 years old to 100
years old to enjoy what I do
visually.
“I try to bring a sense of
humor into everything, personally and in design, and to
make any experience a
celebratory, positive situation,” Jes says. Her playful
and dynamic personality is
Macy’s Flower Show design
embedded into each experience expert on Style Network and
she creates, from parties and MyStyle.com.
weddings to design installaShe is also the CEO and
tions. Her clients include Sting, Creative Director for her deVictoria’s Secret, Tommy Hilfiger, s i g n
firm
jesGordon/
Ralph Lauren, and “America’s properFUN, and the author of
Next Top Model.”
“Party Like a Rock Star: A CeGordon is an award-winning lebrity Planner ’s Tips and
event producer and designer, au- Tricks for Throwing an Unforthor, former host of Fine Living gettable Bash.” Jes designed
Network’s “The Perfect Party,” t h e c e n t e r p i e c e s s e e n o n
and the resident Event Planning NBC’s “TODAY Throws a
Jes Gordon
Wedding,” and appeared on E!
News and Bride Magazine’s
twelve-part series, “Countdown to the Altar.” As the ex-
pert wedding planner, Gordon
helped a real couple on a real
budget through 12 weeks of
wedding preparations.
‘Ghetto Klown,’ is a perfect
vehicle for John Leguizamo
34
Jazz Chat
Larry Rosen and Quincy
Jones debut compilation
Sony MASTERWORKS
Jazz in partnership with producer Larry Rosen released
JAZZ ROOTS: The Music of
the Americas, the first compilation of this new branded series which traces the story of
Jazz starting with the “Drums
from Africa” and their effect
on the musical DNA of the
Americas.
The historical descriptions for the package have
been created in association
the Quincy Jones Musiq Consortium. The 2-CD 37 track
compilation will be available
on April 5, 2011.
JAZZ ROOTS: The Music
of the Americas 2-CD compilation chronologically covers
the history of jazz from Ragtime and early blues to Today.
Some of the featured artists
include: Scott Joplin and
Louis Armstrong (Early Jazz &
Blues), Benny Goodman and
Duke Ellington (Swing & Big
Bands), Billie Holiday and Ella
Fitzgerald (Vocalists), Charlie
Parker and Dizzy Gillespie
(Bebop), Machito and Tito
Puente (Afro-Cuban), Dave
Brubeck (Cool Jazz), John
Coltrane and Miles Davis
(Hard Bop/Modal).
Also featured are Antonio
Carlos Jobim and Elaine Elias
(Brazilian), Weather Report
(Fusion), Herbie Hancock
( F u n k ) , Wy n t o n M a r s a l i s
(The Young Lions), George
Benson and Grover Washington Jr. (Contemporary), Kenny
G (Smooth), Chris Botti and
Eldar (Today).
These artists and their key
music tracks are included in
the package, as well as historic overviews and artist
bios, plus links to the Quincy
Jones American Popular Music Curriculum and JAZZ
ROOTS web sites for additional
information.
The JAZZ ROOTS recorded
music series is inspired by JAZZ
ROOTS – A Larry Rosen Jazz
Series, which is a concert and
The JAZZ ROOTS series is
represented by IMG Artists and
will be presented in additional
PACs across America. “JAZZ
ROOTS presents the music of
the Americas in a most compel-
Qunicy Jones and Larry Rosen
educational program created for ling fashion. Larry Rosen’s
performing arts centers across long career in the music busiAmerica. The concert series was ness from musician to producer
launched at the Adrienne Arsht to entrepreneur has a track
“To help tell this American story, we have joined joined forces with
the iconic music artist/producer Qunicy Jones”
- Larry Rosen
Center in Miami, Florida in 2008
and continues to expand across
America, including the AT&T
Performing Arts Center in Dallas, Texas and The Center for the
Performing Arts at the Palladium
Theater in Carmel, Indiana.
record of very successful enterprises and we are honored to
play a role in celebrating this
musical legacy,” says Alex
Miller, General Manager/SVP,
Sony Masterworks.
“The JAZZ ROOTS series
“You can’t know we’re you’re going unless you know where you’ve
come from,”
- Quincy Jones
Following the success of the Grammy Award nominated
single, “Tired,” Kelly Price has another hit on her hands.
The follow up single, “Not My Daddy,” from her new
KELLY, CD broke a Top 10 spot at radio. With support
from Mint Condition’s Stokley Williams, the ballad has
gained airplay, and was the #1 most added song in 14 new
markets and debuted at #20 on iTunes. Both tracks is only
a glimpse of what fans can expect from the forthcoming
release on Tues, May 3rd. Vibe magazine praised the project
for “celebrating love, drying tears and kicking lusty addiction.” Ms. Price has been performing in various cities reminding fans why we fell in love with her rich voice and
soul-stirring lyrics.
was developed to bring communities together around our
common culture, which includes music performance,
education, and entertainment.
We targeted performing arts
centers across the country because that is where communities come together to address
our performing arts.” said producer Larry Rosen.
“We create thematic concerts that feature world class
artists in world class concert
halls. To date we have presented over 100 major award
winning artists in every subgenre from the Blues, to Big
Bands, to Latin, to Fusion and
St r a i g h t A h e a d t o G o s p e l .
These shows celebrate our
multi-ethnic background and
link our music to a common
heritage that represents
America.
“To help tell this great
A m e r i c a n s t o r y, w e h a v e
joined forces with the iconic
music artist/producer Quincy
Jones and his Quincy Jones
American Popular Music Curriculum. Our combined efforts
for this Sony Masterworks 2CD compilation will bring this
amazing story to fans and students around the world,” says
Rosen.
Legendary artist/producer
Quincy Jones implements his
American Popular Music Curriculum program into schools
across the country in collaboration with the JAZZ ROOTS
education program. The JAZZ
ROOTS education and outreach components are designed to reinforce audience
development, targeting area
middle and high schools as
well as adults within respective
communities.
The series provides an opportunity for schools to bring
their students to sound checks
and performances, which in-
cludes artist Q&A sessions and
master classes. These initiatives
organically connect to local community groups, art centers and
the local boards of education.
“It’s so important that Americans and particularly our children
learn about their culture. This series is simply imperative. We are
happy to be part of this extraordinary endeavor….You can’t
know we’re you’re going unless
you know where you’ve come
from,” says Jones.
Larry Rosen is a musician,
producer, executive producer
and music industry entrepreneur
and is the Chairman of Larry
Rosen Productions, Inc., creator
and producer of JAZZ ROOTS A Larry Rosen Jazz Series, cofounder of GRP Records, cofounder of LRSmedia, and cofounder and past Chairman of
N2K, Inc. (NASDAQ).
Rosen is also the creator and
producer of the PBS television
series “Legends Of Jazz,” and
the creator and producer of multimedia TV series “Recording: the
History of Recorded Music,”
with hosts Quincy Jones and Phil
Ramone.
Jones (known affectionately
as “Q”) is a world famous iconic
musician, producer, and entrepreneur. The all-time most nominated Grammy Award artist, with
a total of 76 nominations and 26
awards, Quincy has also received an EMMY Award, 7 Academy Awards nominations, and
the Academy of Motion Picture
Arts and Sciences Jean Hersholt
Humanitarian Award.
In 2009 he launched The Quincy
Jones Musiq Consortium which encourages collaboration, shared services and advocacy while building
a community in music education.
MASTERWORKS Jazz is an imprint
of Sony MASTERWORKS. For
email updates and information visit
www.SonyMasterworks.com. or
www.jazzroots.net
McDonald’s Gospelfest 2011
35
ROSELAND, NEW JERSEY – Gospel fever returns to
the New York Tri-State area on
Saturday, June 18, 2011 at the
Prudential Center (165 Mulberry Street, Newark, New Jersey). The auditions are complete and competitors are pre-
paring to share the stage with
some of the biggest names in
Gospel including Kirk Franklin,
Donnie McClurkin, Bishop
Hezekiah Walker, James Fortune
and Fiya, Bobby Jones, and
back by popular demand Bishop
TD Jakes.
Produced and directed by
EMMY Award winning Pro-
d u c e r, A . C u r t i s F a r r o w,
McDonald’s Gospelfest is a talent competition that features
many abilities. Rising stars of
all colors, ages, cultures and
faiths will compete in a variety
of categories including Soloists, Youth Choir, Adult Choir,
Praise Dance, Step, Singing
Groups, Instrumentalists and
Gospel Rappers.
McDonald’s Gospelfest
originated in 1983 under the
auspices of the McDonald’s
Corporation
and
the
McDonald’s Tri-State Owner/
Operator Association. 28 years
later, it has emerged as the
nation’s preeminent Gospel
celebration, bringing joy, inspiration, encouragement and
hope to millions of Americans.
P r e v i o u s M c D o n a l d ’s
Gospelfest participants have
gone on to successful careers
in entertainment, including the
renowned Bishop Hezekiah
Walker, who headlines The
McDonald’s Gospelfest celebration each year with his
Love Fellowship Choir.
Over the course of the past
28 years, The McDonald’s TriState Owner/Operator Association has awarded millions of
dollars in scholarship money.
The McDonald’s Gospelfest
competition has been an important fundraising event which
supports education opportunities within local communities.
McDonald’s is the world’s
best-known brand and is the
global leader in food service.
There are more than 600
McDonald’s restaurants, owned
by 100 franchisees, located
throughout the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut tri-state area.
For more information, please visit
www.mcdonaldsnytristate.com.
McDonald’s Gospelfest 2011
tickets can be purchased at the
Prudential Center Box Office
or through Ticketmaster by calli n g 8 0 0 . 7 4 5 . 3 0 0 0 , or at
www.ticketmaster.com. For further information call the
McDonald’s Gospelfest Hotline
at 877.771.7772.
HONORED
Kirk Franklin
Donnie McClurkin
Bishop Hezekiah Walker
Bishop TD Jakes
Bobby Jones
James Fortune
Lady Peachena belts out Gospel song from her new “I’ll Never Let Go Of My Faith” CD
Living Legend Gertrude Jeannette, founder/CEO of the
H.A.D.L.E.Y. Players accepts prestigious award from Ward Dixon,
artistic director of the H.A.D.L.E.Y. Players theater company.
(Photo: Louis Boone)
On Monday, March 28,
2011, the prestigious Dwyer
Cultural Center in located In
the Village of Harlem honored
Gertrude Jeanette, founder/
CEO of the AUDELCO Awardwinning H.A.D.L.E.Y. Players
and a member of the Coalition
of Theatres of Color (CTC), as
a living legend in entertainment.
The impact of the multi-talented actress, playwright and
director dates back to
the1940s, when she was a
member of the American Negro Theater. Performing on
B r o a d w a y, s h e o r i g i n a t e d
roles in “Lost in the Stars,”
“Nobody Loves an Albatross,” “Amen Corner,” “The
Great White Hope,” and Tenn e s s e e Wi l l i a m s ’ “ Vi e u x
Carre.”
Jeannette also starred in
the legendary CBS production
of “God’s Trombone” in 1950.
Her film credits include,
“Nothing but a Man,” “Shaft,”
“The Legend of Nigger
Charlie,” “Cotton Comes to
Harlem” and “Black Girl.” She
has written such plays as “A Bolt
from the Blue” and “Gladys’ Dilemma.” Her 70-year career spans
working with Sidney Poitier and
Harry Belafonte at the American
Negro Theater, being taught directing by Lee Strasberg and helping playwright Tennessee Williams craft her role in “Vieux Carre.”
The Coalition of Theatres
of Color (CTC) is a non-profit
community of renowned multicultural theatre arts organizations in New York State. These
institutions have joined forces
to ensure sustainability and
longevity of theatre of color in
multicultural communities.
Each institution brings
more than 25 years of artistic
achievement with award-winning work and for nurturing the
artistry of some of the world’s
finest actors, directors, playwrights, producers, musicians
and choreographers.
New York City theatres are
The H.A.D.L.E.Y. Players,
Billie Holiday Theatre, Black
Spectrum Theatre, National
Black Theatre, New Federal
Theatre, New Heritage Theatre
Group and Paul Robeson Performing Arts Company. Award
w i n n i n g p r o d u c e r Wo o d i e
King, Jr., is chairman of CTC.
CTC is supported through
grants from the New York City
Council Committee, chaired by
James Van Bramer and also
from The New York Community
Trust. (D.T.)
Father’s Day spectacular features Men of Gospel
10th Year Anniversary
36
WGBB 1240AM Gospel celebration
By Wanda G.
Contributing Scribe
WGBB1240AM is one of the
oldest community radio stations
in West Babylon, New York and
has been serving Long Island
since 1924. WGBB’s radio signal
serves Nassau and Western Suffolk Counties, and at least three
of New York City’s five boroughs
including parts of New Jersey.
The station is unique with its
Specialty Programming that offers a blend of multi-cultural flavors. WGBB truly has something
for everyone and gospel music it
one of the top programs. “Gospel Celebration: Your Life Changing Gospel Radio Program,”
hosted by Host- Elder Trevor
Vassell, aka Preacherman and Cohost Sis. A.C.E., which can be
heard on-air four times a week,
recently celebrated their 10th Year
Radio Anniversary.
The celebration was held at
One Way Church of Christ in
Laurelton, New York, where
Bishop Gregory Tucker is pastor
and also has a broadcast ministry on WGBB. Approximately 200
loyal listeners of the radio program attended the four hour
event.
James Hodge a former radio
announcer and program director
of WGBB’s 1240AM “Gospel all
Night Through the Morning” was
Master of Ceremony. In essence,
James’ radio program paved the
way for several radio announcers to enhance their careers in radio.
To commemorate the occasion
local artists, choirs and praise
dancers from the tri-state area including Brooklyn’s popular gospel group, Laos In Harmony took
part in this celebratory event. Rev.
Don Valcin, a worship leader from
Radio Station WGBB 1240AM former and present radio personalities (Back row- from left to right), Bishop James Burrus, Elder Richard
Merrion Jr., James Hodge, Sis. A.C.E. and Deacon Willie Mack (Front row - from left to right), Elder Trevor Vassell, Michelle Hall, Sis. Angie,
Wanda G., Kareem Graham, Bishop Tucker, pastor of church
New Jerusalem Baptist Church, in
Jamaica, New York, set the atmosphere for a worship & praise experience which allowed the Holy
Spirit to be ushered in the small
sanctuary.
God’s presence was felt as
people lifted their hands and began praising His name. Some of
people remarked the celebration
reminded them of a Sunday morning church service rather than a
concert.
“Gospel Celebration is a life
changing gospel radio ministry.
We present an opportunity in each
broadcast for every listener to receive salvation or rededicate their
lives to the Lord, after being inspired and encouraged through
music and the word of God.
“The concert was an opportunity for us to give back to the community, and let our supporters experience a life changing evening by
hearing some of their favorite artists minister ’live’ and sharing with
others how God has allowed our
program to be a blessing to them.
We also provide an outlet for local
artists and churches to get their
ministry exposed on the airwaves,” said Sis. A.C.E., co-host
of Gospel Celebration.
The radio program also
streams live on the web and has
garnered fans as far as Canada
and London, England. However, the radio program has
been a life changing experience
for one young fan in particular,
who is a loyal listener of the
show. He stated the gospel music played on the radio makes
his night job a lot easier as a
taxi driver on Long Island.
The program came to a close
with a grand finale with all 11 radio personalities who worked at
the station during the past 12
years. They came together from
the first original broadcast program, Gospel All Night Through
the Morning to be a part of the
present radio ministry, Gospel
Celebration’s: Your Life Changing Gospel Radio Program with a
mission to help save souls
through the airwaves of radio
station WGBB 1240AM.
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SPORTS
39
By Derrel “Jazz” Johnson
Everyone has analyzed the New York
Knicks during the Carmelo Anthony era,
in which the team is has a record of 7-12,
including a current six-game losing streak.
Despite some flashes of excellence, the defense has been consistently poor, with the
team giving up just under 104 points per
game during the losing streak. The offense, surprisingly, has been inconsistent
at times as well, with quarter totals in the
teens, and even in the single digits, since
the Carmelo Anthony trade, on a regular
basis. The Knicks are scoring 96.1 a game
during the losing streak, down almost 10
points from the 105.9 they average on the
season.
One
aspect
of
the
blockbuster trade, and the lack of success
since the trade, hasn’t been mentioned
often, and that is the health of “Mr. Big
Shot” Chauncey Billups.
In his first four games as a New York
Knick, Billups averaged 23.3 points, 6.0
assists, and 1.8 steals, while the Knicks
went 2-2. He left the March 1st Orlando
Magic game and missed the next six games,
as the Knicks went 4-2. He returned March
13th and in the 9 games since he has returned, the Knicks are 1-8. He has averaged 14.8 points, with 5.0 assists and 0.8
steals, along with 2.8 turnovers. Clearly,
he has been a different player. What the
statistics won’t tell you is how poorly he
has defended since coming back from the
injury. One of the reasons Toney Douglas was inserted into the starting lineup
Saturday night against the Charlotte Bobcats was to help defend opposing point
guards, a night after Brandon Jennings of
the Milwaukee Bucks torched the Knicks
for a season-high 37 points.
The Knicks need Chauncey Billups
to be 100%, or as close to it as he can
be, by playoff time if they are going to
experience any kind of success. Otherwise, they may be swept in the opening round, if not worse. If the Knicks
continue to play this way, there is a
slight chance they may miss out on the
playoffs completely. That would be a
crushing blow to the New York Knicks
organization after making the biggest
trade of the NBA season. Chauncey
Billups is a former NBA Finals MVP, a fivetime all-star, and “Mr. Big Shot.” What he
is not right now, is healthy, and until he is,
it would be best for him to sit and recover.
Chauncey Billups, while challenging Anthony to raise his game on the defensive end of the court, has been a liability on defense
since getting hurt.
(Photo by Marc Rasbury)
Knicks end six-game skid, stop Magic in OT
By Derrel “Jazz” Johnson
The New York Knicks led the
Orlando Magic with 1:20 left in
the fourth quarter and it appeared
that the end of the fourth quarter
would signal the end of the sixgame losing streak. The Magic
had other plans. After two free
throws from Dwight Howard, a
three-pointer from Gilbert Arenas
and a basket by Toney Douglas,
Jason Richardson tied the game
at 100 on a three pointer over
Jared Jeffries with 5.7 seconds left
in the fourth quarter. Carmelo
Anthony missed two shots in the
final seconds that would have
won the game, and it went into
overtime. Thankfully for the
Knicks, they would end the losing streak in overtime, as Dwight
Howard and Hedo Turkoglu both
fouled out, and the Knicks defeated the Magic, 113-106 in overtime.
Carmelo Anthony led the Knicks
with 39 points, 19 of which came
in the third quarter, and 10 rebounds. Amar’e Stoudemire
scored 20 points and grabbed 9
rebounds, while Chauncey Billups
finished with 17 points, 6 assists,
and 6 rebounds. Toney Douglas,
coming off the bench, finished
with 16 points and 4 rebounds.
Dwight Howard finished with
29 points, 25 in the second half,
and 18 rebounds. Jason
Richardson tallied 24 points, 4
assists, and 4 steals, and Hedo
Turkoglu scored 18 points and
dished out 4 assists. Brandon
Bass scored 14 points and
grabbed 6 rebounds, and Ryan
Anderson came off the bench to
score 10 points and 6 pull down
rebounds.
This was a close game
throughout, with the Magic
having a 6-0 lead to start the
game, their biggest of the game,
on two field goals by Bass and
a lay up by Richardson. The
Knicks leading by as many as 7,
also in the first half, 37-30 with 6:21
left in the second quarter on two
free throws from Stoudemire. The
game had a playoff feel beginning
in the third quarter, and a sold out
crowd at Madison Square Garden
seemed tense throughout the
fourth.
Coach Mike D’Antoni discussed the reasons for the
team’s victory after the game.
“I thought we had a lot more
energy on defense, we played
harder, we rebounded harder,
everything was done with a
little more urgency and that will
get you well.” Guys from the
bench, Sheldon Williams, Anthony Carter, came in and gave
us good muscle or energy whatever you want to call it. If we
can keep the intensity and the
urgency right there then we’ll
get out of this slump for sure.”
Carmelo Anthony also talked
a b o u t t h e i n t e n s i t y. “ We
showed when we play with energy and intensity, we just play
hard, a lot of things fall into
place for us.” Stoudemire
talked about the defense as
well. “We swarmed the ball.
Gang rebounded. We really
tried to get after it out there.
Chauncey spoke highly of
Carmelo’s performance on both
ends. “When you get him fo-
cused like that on both ends,
you are talking about maybe the
best player in basketball.”
Magic Coach Stan Van Gundy
was satisfied with his team’s effort. “I thought our guys fought
extremely hard to stay in the
game right to the end. Dwight
had a big offensive rebound and
it turns into a foul. He fouls out
and then it was tough after that.
Dwight was outstanding.”
Dwight Howard also talked
about the energy of the Knicks.
“I think New York played with a
lot of energy, more than they had
the last game.”
Recording artists Fat Joe and
Snoop Dogg, along with talk
show hosts Jimmy Fallon,
Boomer Esiason, and Craig
Carton were among the crowd at
Madison Square Garden.
Should Chauncey Billups sit?
40
BEACON
SPORTS
Marc Rasbury
The gap is narrowing
By Marc Rasbury
Can you believe that some folks
are suggesting that the NCAA
should implement some kind of
BCS-like system for the Men’s
Basketball Tournament? The traditionalists are crying that too
many “Cinderellas” made the Final Four. What has been lost
amidst all of the upsets is that we
have been treated to some exciting basketball over the past three
weeks.
There were several games that
went down to the wire in each
round. In the second round, formerly known as the opening
round, there were 13 games decided by five points or less. Then
you had three great games in the
Elite 8.
This is the first Final Four without a number one or two seed.
VCU took out the last No. 1 seed
with their 71-61 victory over Kansas. So does this mean that there
is a turning of the tide regarding
the “Big Boys” reign being over
as far as dominating the college
basketball landscape. I don’t
think so. It just means that gap
between the “Big Boys” and
“Mid-Majors” is narrowing.
UCONN and Kentucky still
made it to the final weekend. They
are just being joined by one unlikely visitor in VCU and an emerging powerhouse in Butler. Let’s
get one thing straight here, But-
ler can no longer be considered a
“Cinderella.” You do not make consecutive Final Fours and still retain the Cinderella label. The Bulldogs struggled midway during this
campaign and were thought to be
long shots to even make the field
back in late February. However, that
is the beauty of college basketball.
As long as you are invited to the
dance, you have a legitimate shot
at making some noise during the
party. And no one showed that
more than VCU.
VCU lost to ODU by 15 points in
the Colonial Athletic Association
championship game. They did not
even get together to watch the
Tournament Selection Show. But
when their name was announced,
they believed that they were going to raise some eyebrows. They
defeated representatives from the
Pac-10, Big East, Big-10, ACC and
the Big-12 on the road to Houston.
For a team that very few thought
should have been invited to The
Dance, they might just walk away
with the homecoming king crown.
Jamie Skeen, Joey Rodriguez and
Brandon Rozzell have been playing on a different level for Coach
Shaka Smart.
VCU and Butler did not “luck up”
and found their way to Houston.
They earned their way. It is a shame
that these two teams have to square
off in the national semi-finals. At
least, we are guaranteed to have
one of the Little Darlings in the
Jeremy Lamb is becoming the perfect wingman for Kemba Walker. (Photo by Marc Rasbury)
Shaka Smart
Finals against the Big Boys.
Speaking of the Big Boys, we still
have UCONN and Kentucky. The
Huskies might be considered
“nouveau riche” while the Wildcats are looked upon as “old
money.” The one thing that is for
sure, these are two of the elite programs in college basketball. Jim
Calhoun’s Huskies were led by
Kemba Walker, who has had one
of the more impressive tournament
runs since Danny Manning put
Kansas on his back and led them
to 1988 title. But the one difference
between Walker and Manning is
that Walker is getting a little more
help from his friends.
Jeremy Lamb is evolving into s
star right before are very eyes.
Shabazz Napier is developing into
a legitimate point guard which has
taken the pressure off of Walker,
allowing him to be even more effective.
Winning five games in as many
days during the Big East Conference was impressive but the way
UCONN withstood the body
blows from Arizona was something else. Derrick Walker, the reincarnation of Len Bias, threw
down some dunks and hit three
pointers that would have sent
most teams back to the locker
rooms sucking their thumbs in a
fetal position. However, Walker
and Lamb answered each blow
with a nice counter punch.
UCONN did not fold when the
heat was turned up.
We also have to tip our hats to
John Calipari and his Kentucky
Wildcats. Calipari sent five players to the NBA off of last year’s
Elite 8 squad. Yet this was no rebuilding year in the Blue Grass
state. No, Kentucky, especially,
under Calipari, does not rebuild,
they reload. Freshmen Brandon
Knight and Terrence Jones knocked
down big shots leading the Wildcats to victories over Ohio State and
North Carolina. Upper classmen,
Josh Harrellson and DeAndre
Liggins, who watched freshmen
take their minutes last year, made
their presence felt during this run
as well.
This year’s Final Four edition has
a little something for everybody.
You have your traditional powers
in UCONN and Kentucky. You have
your emerging power in Butler and
a party crasher in VCU. You also
have your primetime players like
Walker, Knight, Skeen and
Rodriguez. This Final Four should
be a classic despite no number
one or two seeds. It does not
mean that college basketball
needs to change anything. It just
means that the gap between the
“haves” and the “have nots” is
narrowing.

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